tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706422563776079282024-02-06T23:30:12.001-07:00From the Gym to the MountainJeanne Bustamante on fitness and backpacking, new posts every Wednesday JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-41860996635712377202023-01-18T08:00:00.001-07:002023-01-18T08:00:00.226-07:00This Blog Has Moved<p> Please come visit my new site: http://www.kesourla.com/category/gym2mtn/</p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-82580826812658805552023-01-11T08:00:00.001-07:002023-01-11T08:00:00.236-07:00Running Plan<p>I need to get back into running. I haven't been running for more than a month, and I'm kind of dreading how much my iliotibial bands are going to hurt when I start up again. </p><p>I'm going to need to ease myself back into it. Start with some one mile runs to remind my body what running is and how to do it. Then get back to my two milers that I like to do on weekdays. And even though I want to jump right up to a 5 mile run on a weekend, I'll stick with stretching the two to three and the three to four first. </p><p>If the weather cooperates, then I'll get started this Thursday. Then I can pick between Saturday and Sunday for another one. I'd have time on Monday as well since that's a day off of work, but I don't want to run two days in a row, and Tuesday is one of my designated run days. </p><p>I probably would have run yesterday, but I had an all morning meeting at work so that did NOT happen. I did do a couple of tabatas, because I had trouble falling asleep on Monday night and I knew I needed <i>some</i> exercise (I hadn't worked out since 1/2 until I did those because of another dang cold). </p><p>Usually, when I go too long without running (or backpacking), my right leg will start aching. It hasn't started doing that yet, and I think that is due to my change to natural footwear. Maybe, eventually, wearing this kind of footwear will reduce or even eliminate the IT band issue altogether. That would be nice! </p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-17523910017415429842023-01-04T08:00:00.001-07:002023-01-04T08:00:00.226-07:00A Merry FitmasEach year, my employer closes for the week between Christmas and New Year's. Even though I'm required to burn some vacation days for it, I do like the tradition. Most years, I'll spoil myself by sleeping in and going to CrossFit later in the morning. Or even at noon, how scandalous! <div><br /></div><div>But in this week off in 2022, I was just starting to feel better after weeks of being too ill to go work out. I wanted to prepare myself to be ready to keep the fitness going when I went back to work on the 3rd of January. I went to four 5 am classes that I did not strictly have to go to, and the first class of the day when the schedule was flexed for holidays. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great week for working out. I got sore, and I started to feel like I was building up my strength again. Heck, I even got a PR (personal record), though, to be fair, it was on a 3 rep hang clean and jerk. We don't do that very often (I only had one other recorded, and most of the people in the class didn't have any). </div><div><br /></div><div>But once the New Year hit, I started feeling ill again. I did work out on the 2nd, but skipped on the 3rd because I wasn't feeling well. A combination of abdominal pains and a bit of a cold. The abdominal pain makes me not want to move in the ways that CrossFit requires, and if I've actually got a cold, I'd feel bad bringing that into the gym. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know I will eventually stop being sick every other week, but I really hope it's soon. I want to do well in the CrossFit Open this year, which, for me, means being able to Rx at least one workout and maybe beat myself if there's a repeat. And in order to do that, I need to get some consistency in my workouts! No more taking days off at a time. One day off if needed, then back to it!</div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-83449858939867066442022-12-28T08:00:00.001-07:002022-12-28T08:00:00.235-07:00Christmas Walk<p>I decided that I wanted to get outside and go for a walk for Christmas. Not a long walk, and not a run, but something short to get me out of the house for a bit. I was finally feeling better after a long bout with various nonspecific illnesses. Ambrose was not, which cancelled my earlier idea of hiking up to Lucky Peak or even Table Rock. </p><p>I got bundled up for the 20 degree weather, but I didn't put any traction devices on my Lems Boulder Boots. It might have been better if I had, but because I hadn't, it turned into a good test of those boots. </p><p>You see, many of my neighbors had been good citizens. They had gone out after the snows and shoveled their portions of the sidewalk. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them had not also spread either melt or grit, which meant that when I went out for my walk on Sunday morning, ever bit of cleared sidewalk was covered by an invisible, but extremely slick, layer of ice. </p><p>I slipped on it once, near the dentist's office on Mallard. I was able to divert my fall into the snow, so I didn't get hurt when I landed. After that, I carefully tested new surfaces before trusting them to my boots. Where the sidewalks had been cleared, I walked on snow, either on the grass or the street, depending on the street I was on. </p><p>Walking on the snow gave me better exercise than I'd reckoned on. Some of the snow was just deep and fluffy enough, under the thin skim of ice that my steps easily broke, to mimic walking on dry sand. Where the snow was frozen into harder shapes, I could feel how my feet adjusted to the inconsistent surface. I wish I could go on another walk like that, but Boise just had a big melt. It was nearly 60 degrees yesterday, which is absolutely wild. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcSQUiPg2UGf9xURIbXyVc0WLUe7tMYC3CYL7kDtSQDZcQjN4_sBO0345qHaJtHgDUSBFmaFu73riwqDbKIQMYReHd5CL4EZM7BhfV418oedsNIVtJBk1o7SentDJ5RTs7KXzlnComt6J0jvQ2HryPR8pHD6xPoJOB5RTBJBC2QmdgJv77vfLjlvW/s4624/20221225_092225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcSQUiPg2UGf9xURIbXyVc0WLUe7tMYC3CYL7kDtSQDZcQjN4_sBO0345qHaJtHgDUSBFmaFu73riwqDbKIQMYReHd5CL4EZM7BhfV418oedsNIVtJBk1o7SentDJ5RTs7KXzlnComt6J0jvQ2HryPR8pHD6xPoJOB5RTBJBC2QmdgJv77vfLjlvW/w300-h400/20221225_092225.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sidewalk wouldn't stay clear right next to Parkcenter Blvd.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiLnFoRShT_s9ZRhDHJ6zI9wq2WVMxeIfIyKxjhevqOPvxoCrhuer_Mz8-v6frpGNlkjTawV3Utm9OvhCZ1SWO6KepuJDV5aUQ2JfMuzhfoUr8951b3bBOusGu_RIxN3Q6n52EsL9_Oqw947gu7W2C71-NBU6g_Hzp-1DZK1bAPc6uIGCIoowkz4N/s4624/20221225_093230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiLnFoRShT_s9ZRhDHJ6zI9wq2WVMxeIfIyKxjhevqOPvxoCrhuer_Mz8-v6frpGNlkjTawV3Utm9OvhCZ1SWO6KepuJDV5aUQ2JfMuzhfoUr8951b3bBOusGu_RIxN3Q6n52EsL9_Oqw947gu7W2C71-NBU6g_Hzp-1DZK1bAPc6uIGCIoowkz4N/w300-h400/20221225_093230.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the surface looked clear, then it was a trap of slickness.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMrGIA8yN2zduKuUBrOO4cKQI-iFm_2DnVQi1twuGnEFk_iPXVT2t-wWSNqo3dcI7fnHe8eC3y8fx83eeMpkFIS8ls0iVlieBUfizruJO5bUsFWm2tuxfArScHnWPj6PfopqtgVxn66pqa1NRMoF4CX4PSQMJinkm-YYkzqZbO5snVIFjoD19AFBQ/s4000/20221225_094523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMrGIA8yN2zduKuUBrOO4cKQI-iFm_2DnVQi1twuGnEFk_iPXVT2t-wWSNqo3dcI7fnHe8eC3y8fx83eeMpkFIS8ls0iVlieBUfizruJO5bUsFWm2tuxfArScHnWPj6PfopqtgVxn66pqa1NRMoF4CX4PSQMJinkm-YYkzqZbO5snVIFjoD19AFBQ/w300-h400/20221225_094523.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why did everyone have to clear their sidewalks so promptly?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-42808191556200657752022-12-21T08:00:00.001-07:002022-12-21T08:00:00.274-07:00Getting Back!<p>I finally got back to CrossFit yesterday. The workout involved rowing and clean and jerks. I promised Ambrose that I would take it easy, considering I've been so sick the last couple of weeks. Not a hard promise to keep! </p><p>It did feel good to get back to exercising, though I'm no longer used to being quite so sore. I'm easing back into it, so I skipped today. But I'm planning on going back in tomorrow. </p><p>I hope that I can figure out a way to have a pull up bar at home some time soon. I'd love to be able to do some pull ups today even though I'm not going in for a full workout. </p><p>Even though I went over two weeks without working out, I still had my pull ups. And while I focused on staying consistent with the row, I did find some speed in the last minutes of my sets. I kept the clean and jerks nice and light. </p><p>But it was still a CrossFit workout, and I'm sore and tired today. </p><p>Feels good!</p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-19130994250788095942022-12-14T08:00:00.001-07:002022-12-14T08:00:00.235-07:00Derailed!<p>Dang it! I was all in on just pushing myself to work out and getting through the mild winter crud that my body has been wading through since early October. I was making it work for like four days, and then I got really sick AGAIN. </p><p>And this one was a doozy. Days of not working and a whole weekend of cuddling heating pads to my chest and horking. I did the at home Covid test and came up negative, twice, so I don't know what this is other than miserable. </p><p>I'm hoping this won't linger too long, but with the way this season has been going it wouldn't surprise me. It's probably not the flu either, since I got the flu shot this year at the same time I got my Covid booster, back in late October. Though it could be a strain of the flu that wasn't in this year's shot, I suppose. I don't recall ever having the flu before, so I don't have anything to compare it to. </p><p>There wasn't a fever, so that's good. Just so much phlegm. . . </p><p>It even took me two days to remember that my dad had recommended using a heating pad on the chest to help break up chest congestion. I'd been using the heating pad on my lower abdomen only before that, because this illness coincided with my period - just for a little extra fun. </p><p>Now I've got to wait until this clears my body before getting back to CrossFit. I'm really hoping to get in a workout on Friday. I'll focus on recuperating until then. And I really want to be better by Christmas, because I want to do a hike on that day, maybe up Lucky Peak or just up in the foothills. </p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-1978810354118851272022-12-07T08:00:00.001-07:002022-12-07T08:00:00.219-07:00Getting Out in the ColdI know it's cold outside, but I'm still at the point where I'm longing to sleep outdoors. I suppose I could just barely manage to fit a tent in the side yard next to my apartment's back door, but I don't really want to sleep outdoors right next to a city street, with other people able to gaze out at my from their own apartment windows. <div><br /></div><div>No, I really can't sleep outside in my current living situation, but that doesn't mean I don't want to. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ambrose and I went on a hike on Thanksgiving. Nothing big, just up to Table Rock and back. There was some snow up there, but not much on the trail. I think it gave both of us a needed hit of time being outdoors, breathing in that brisk, cold air and crunching along on frozen dirt. We weren't up early enough to watch the sun rise from the top, but we did get to watch its ascent as we ascended. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope we'll do another hike at Christmas. I think it's important for both of us to get outside, both on our own and together, during the winter months when we aren't backpacking. It feeds my soul to be outdoors, and, eventually, we'll do some winter backpacking. We just need to get properly kitted out for winter backpacking, and I think it will be a blast. </div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-14768478741997086642022-11-30T08:00:00.017-07:002022-11-30T08:00:00.216-07:00If the Pain Won't Stop . . . <p>Then I guess I shouldn't either. </p><p>I've been pulling back on physical activity the last two months, because I've been feeling physically bad for that time period. Now, some of it was illness. I know I had a cold or three and maybe even some mild bronchitis. But the main thing keeping me from working out has been abdominal pain that just won't quit. </p><p>It even sometimes feels worse with movement, especially the kind of whole body movement that tends to show up frequently in CrossFit (don't get me started on burpees!). But I've tried not moving, and I just feel worse. </p><p>I'm going to push myself to go in to the 5 am class on days when I don't want to because of tummy pain. Illness is another matter, but if it's just the tummy pain that is supposed to come from the IBS, then I shouldn't have any issues other than the pain itself. And if it hurts whether or not I'm exercising, I may as well exercise and get some sore muscles to go with the tummy, put it in perspective. </p><p>Or, as I've seen it put on TikTok, take all the feelings and put 'em in a muscle, they can't see you cry when you sweat ;) </p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-46966148492639140722022-11-23T08:00:00.001-07:002022-11-23T08:00:00.227-07:00Craving Movement<p>I have not been feeling well since early October. It hasn't been constant, but I just keep getting these annoying little colds. Plus my abdominal pain has been in overdrive. I haven't been able to put together good weeks of doing CrossFit, and I have not been keeping up with my running at all. </p><p>The next time I run, I'll definitely have to stretch the ilio-tibial bands out again on my legs. That means starting slow and short. And that's probably for the best, considering how cold it's been outside here. I'm hoping for a run, or at least a walk, tomorrow. </p><p>I finally got back to CrossFit this morning, after over a week of not going. I just kept hoping that the tummy pain would go away, and that I'd start feeling overall better. The tummy pain is hanging out, but I did feel better this morning other than that. Not good, per se, but better enough that I decided to go anyway. I needed the exercise. </p><p>Then I did CrossFit, and now I'm feeling very sore. But in a good way. </p><p>I want to make Commitment Crew for December. It's just 20 classes in a month. That's very possible for me - as long as I can stop getting sick!</p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-12300093380810383902022-11-09T08:00:00.001-07:002022-11-09T08:00:00.220-07:00Stretching the IT Bands Again<p>For a lot of October, I wasn't feeling well. I ended up not running for a stretch of a couple weeks. I had been hoping that wearing my natural foot shape shoes and boots would prevent my ilio-tibial bands from tightening up when I had to take a break from running. Alas, that turned out not to be the case. Not yet, anyway. </p><p>I got myself a GoPro camera so that I can start doing more video of my backpacking trips. While I won't be backpacking for several months, I want to start getting to know the camera. So, I had an idea. I'd go for a run, but take a break in the middle and play with the GoPro, and then run home. </p><p>The first mile felt pretty good, but somewhere in the middle of the second mile, my IT bands started to ache. The right one more than the left. I pushed through the pain until I hit three miles. Then I slowed to a walk and started filming things. </p><p>I took several videos, trying out different settings. There's a setting to take pictures, but I probably won't use that much. In the editing app, you can pull pictures from videos so why take a picture when you could take a video instead? I didn't realize that I wouldn't be able to zoom in (or I just haven't figured it out), and it took me a while to realize the camera was flipping orientation automatically. </p><p>Overall, though, it was very easy to use. </p><p>I had planned on walking just one mile, and then running the rest of the way home. When I reached four miles (as tracked by my cellphone running MapMyRun), I started to run again, filming at the same time to see how that turned out. I did not last long. </p><p>My IT bands had tightened up even more while I walked at a slow pace and played with the GoPro. They were not at all willing to run anymore. They barely wanted to walk. I paused rather frequently for stretching while I walked the rest of the way home, which turned out to be closer to two more miles than one more. </p><p>When I got home, I showed the videos to Ambrose, who declared that my recorded voice sounded good. I thought that was kind of funny, but I was glad to hear it. He watches a lot of hiker vlogs on YouTube, and I knew he was assessing my voice as he would a random person's. </p><p>I'm going to put together another YouTube video from that little trip. I think it's good for me to get some practice videos up. I can always start a different channel if I decide to radically change directions. I don't think I'll ever stop writing, but I am enjoying the video process so far. </p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-57049209932163356182022-11-02T08:00:00.057-06:002022-11-02T08:00:00.228-06:00Mixing Up The Run<p>When I was in Chicago for my dad's wedding, I stayed at a hotel. Although I tried to get myself to go and drop in on a CrossFit Box while I was there, I instead maintained my streak of never having attended CrossFit anywhere but Arbor. However, the hotel did have a gym, and I took advantage of that. </p><p>For the most part, the fitness center had fairly standard equipment. There was a cardio area with treadmills and bikes, a weights area with weight machines, mats, benches, and a double set of dumbbells, and in the hallway between the two, a rower, a punching bag and two jump ropes. </p><p>I was disappointed not to see a single place that I could work on my pullups, because I'd been working on them pretty hard and I wanted to keep it up. There was a guy using dumbbells and a bench. I started on the lat pulldown machine. If I couldn't pull up, then I'd pull down. </p><p>But first, a warm up. I went over to the rower. It was a water rower, not the kind I'm used to using, but I'd just get my muscles working. Then I realized that the foot holder for the right foot was broken. I had to actively press up to keep my foot in place. I almost stopped, but I ended up making it work. The rower seat was higher than I'm used to, and I felt a bit precariously perched. But I got in some good meters and then moved on to the weight room.</p><p>I worked through several more machines, working both upper and lower body without a real plan. I did some dumbbell work, including biceps curls and triceps extensions. When I wanted to do some abdominal and core work, there was another guy using the area that seemed set aside for mat work. Since no one was using the cardio area, I brought my mat over there to do some hollow holds and straight leg situps. </p><p>That's when I noticed one of the treadmills wasn't like the others. It was something that I'd heard about, and seen on TV, but not gotten a chance to use. A Trueform runner, which is an unpowered treadmill. It only moves when you move. I had to give it a try - after my core work. </p><p>It was strange to walk on at first. I kept my hands on the rails while I got an idea of how the thing moved, and how sensitive it was. I found it a little difficult to get started, but once I began to jog I found the thing going faster under my feet than I was ready for. I grabbed the rails to slow myself, then reset the counter and started running a mile. </p><p>To my utter disbelief, I ran a 9:16 mile. I've been running about 12:30 to 13:30 miles at home in Idaho. The elevation difference alone wasn't sufficient to explain this result, so I figured it was something about the runner. </p><p>I took down one of the jump ropes to give it a go, but the ceiling was too low, even for my height. It was impossible to jump here; I'd need to take it out to the patio, and I decided to call it instead. </p><p>It was a pretty good workout, and at the time I'd really needed a good workout. But the most interesting thing is what happened after I got home. The very next time I ran, I did a 12:10 mile followed by an 11:18 mile. I could hardly believe it. Eight days prior, on what I felt was a pretty good run, I'd done 13:36 and 12:45. </p><p>I've been able to keep up with the faster pace for the most part, though I was ill for a lot of October, so I didn't get as much running done as I'd have preferred. I do know if I ever get a chance to use one of those Trueforms again, I'm doing it. </p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-73211555730817902002022-10-26T08:00:00.095-06:002022-10-26T08:00:00.233-06:00Newman Peak 2022 Part 2<p>The next morning, we woke up pretty early. I had been hoping that the vaguely ill feeling that had been plaguing me for the last couple days would be gone after a night’s sleep in the outdoors. Unfortunately, I still felt out of sorts and not really ready for the kind of hike we were planning on doing. Still, I thought maybe if I pushed through the first mile, I’d feel better. </p><p>So I got up and got ready to go. Ambrose got ready as well, and we hopped into the car and drove over to the trailhead. It was close enough, I suppose, that we could have hiked to the trailhead along the road, but we decided against that course of action for this trip. We were going to try and climb a mountain, after all. No need for extra steps! </p><p>The morning air was damp, but smelled strongly of smoke. It almost looked foggy, but it was smoke that had been swept into the valley overnight. I drove us over to the trailhead and parked. There were no other vehicles parked there now; there had been one there yesterday, but it was gone. We would have the trail to ourselves, at least for a while. </p><p>Of course, we then had to make sure we were on the right trail. The trailhead had a sign, but there were a couple of paths that looked like trail coming out from there. We stuck with the one that started by paralleling the road, and that turned out to be the right choice. </p><p>The trail was nothing special in the beginning. The road was still close, so cars were audible. It led us through scattered tree cover and stretches of bushes, angling away from the road and towards the ridge. This hike may start out relatively flat, but it absolutely does NOT stay that way. A light uphill led us to a stream crossing. It was shallow enough for us to ford in boots – even my Softstars, which don’t have sealed seams. I had to be a bit more careful than Ambrose, finding rocks to stand on while he walked right on through. I do hope they come up with some completely waterproofed Softstar Switchback boots, because I love everything else about them. </p><p>Right after the stream crossing, and I mean right after, the trail took a 90 degree left turn and went uphill, angling up along the side of a ridge. Essentially, we were climbing up the side of a wide canyon. The smoke smell was still in the air, but as we climbed higher, it lessened. I was still dragging, but I figured we hadn’t quite gone a mile yet. If I just kept walking, I figured, then eventually I’d feel better about it. Right? </p><p>I looked up at Ambrose, pulling ahead of me again, and saw a deer up above him. I tried to point it out quietly, but he didn’t get it until I yelled “deer” and made a big gesture with my trekking pole. That also alerted the deer, unfortunately, so I wasn’t able to get a good picture of it. I should have taken the picture and then alerted Ambrose, but I wasn’t thinking very clearly. The uphill was making me feel worse, but I kept pushing through. </p><p>We finally stopped for a break, a bit before where Ambrose believed the trail would recross the stream. I was tired, but I figured maybe eating would make me feel better. I had a big snack, including a Built Puff and some candy. I wondered if I had perhaps not eaten enough the prior day. Well before I was ready to keep on hiking, Ambrose called the break over. I dragged myself up and kept on following him like a pack horse. </p><p>We did, in fact, reach the next stream crossing pretty soon after the break, but I think we had a good spot to break. Nearer the stream, it would have been cold and damp. The water was even shallower up here, and I had no trouble rock hopping it. </p><p>I had had some vague hope that the trail would mellow out a bit after the stream crossing. The trail took my hopes and smashed them, proceeding to a series of switchbacks even steeper than the trail we’d just been hiking. </p><p>I tried to focus on moving forward. There have been times on backpacking trips, when I’ve been days out from the trailhead, when I’ve just wanted to sit down and cry and quit. And those times have taught me that I can push further than I think. That knowledge gives me a bit of a reserve to tap into on days like this when I don’t want to hike. And, every time I push, I build up more reserve for next time. </p><p>The trail had a few flat sections. I reveled in those, but they were inevitably followed by another steep climb. And yet, even though I felt pretty bad, I didn’t forget to look around. As we got higher, we rose above the layer of smoke filling the canyons below us. I could almost imagine the smoke as fog, covering up an ocean, and the nearby ridges as islands. </p><p>I made sure to remind Ambrose to look back down, too. When we hiked closer together, he would talk about how the trail used to look. The ridge we were now climbing on was covered in grass and bushes, but the first time he came up the trail was hardly defined, and the grass was trampled to mud by the hooves of deer and elk. We reached a bit of a top out before the next break. The trail was transferring to another ridgeline, and we stopped in the sunshine and looked out over the smoke-filled canyon. </p><p>I made sure to eat heartily again. I was starting to think about where I might suggest turning back, because I was feeling worse the higher we climbed instead of better. I didn’t mind not having shade at this break, because I wasn’t warming up like I should be. I got up with less reluctance after this break, but that was only because the trail was kind of flat, maybe even a bit downhill, in this section. </p><p>We hiked on, crossing another small stream. After that stream, there were some spots that we could camp at in the future. We both knew, at that point, that we might not make the peak on this day, and it would be good to find spots to strike out from for next time. The trail continued to ascend, now through shady forest. Ambrose was looking for a particular spot to start heading off trail towards the peak, based off of his reading of the topo map at home and the GPS now. As the trail broke out of the trees, opening to high meadows, Ambrose found his spot. I was behind him, and still lagging as we neared 8000 feet in elevation. </p><p>I disconnected the camera from my pack and hooked it on to his, telling him to go on without me, because I wasn’t going to hike any farther on this day. I could see him wanting to turn back with me, but I’m glad he forged ahead. It reminded me of when I went ahead when we tried to climb <a href="https://jmbhiking.blogspot.com/2018/12/spangle-lake-2018-day-4.html" target="_blank">Benedict Peak</a>. I backtracked a bit to the trees so I could wait in the shade. The morning was finally warming up for me. </p><p>I first took a seat on a log, but when I leaned back, I saw the log I had chosen was under another log. Best not to chance that it might fall while I dozed there. So I went to the other side of the trail, where dirt under the trees had clearly been churned by many hooves. I thought the dirt might be comfortable to sit on. </p><p>I was right. I managed to snuggle down into quite a comfortable spot in the dirt. But a few things made me move. First, I thought I might need to dig a hole. Second, the dirt was beginning to leech heat out of me to the point where I was starting to feel cold again. And, lastly, the sun was on the move, as usual, and my spot was about to be no longer in shade. </p><p>I continued hiking down off the trail through the copse of trees. It was almost like a trail. I followed the route down and down, not wanting to go too far since I’d have to climb back up, but also curious. Why did this feel like a trail? </p><p>The answer turned out to be because it is used like a trail. Maybe thirty feet down from the trail, I found a metal post thrust into the ground and a bench made from a large split log. It looked like the perfect place to wait for Ambrose to return. </p><p>After I dug a hole, away from the bench spot, I tried the bench out. It was perfect. I mean, a little lumpy, but no bugs protested my presence. I could almost take a nap! </p><p>But if I were to fall asleep, I needed to make sure Ambrose could find me. I unclipped the carabiner holding my bandana/pee rag from my pack and hung it on a small tree where it would be visible from the direction Ambrose was going to come from. It would move with the wind and, hopefully, alert him to my presence if I were to fall asleep. </p><p>I settled onto the bench and watched as birds started to fly over and investigate – as long as I held still. And not five minutes after I hung up the bandana and settled onto the bench, I saw Ambrose coming down. </p><p>When he got closer, I made some noise and directed him to come down to me. He sat on the bench and marked the spot on the GPS while explaining what had happened. </p><p>He had thought he could take the ridgeline over to the peak, but when he went off trail, he accidentally cut a switchback instead. And as he continued, he realized that this was not an approach that he could safely take by himself. He turned back. </p><p>And then he noticed that there should be water nearby, based on the GPS. I went looking, and there was in fact water, sufficiently deep to filter from, very close to this site. That site would definitely do for an approach camp the next time we try to hike Newman Peak. And there will be a next time. </p><p>Ambrose and I sat and talked for a bit on the bench, letting him get a rest before we headed back down to the car. I realized that I had likely been starting to suffer from altitude sickness, which is why I felt worse the higher we got. I don’t know why, but that kind of thing can be unpredictable. </p><p>The way down was a lot faster than the way up. We probably could have pushed through all the way back to the car without eating lunch, but by now we’ve learned better than that. We stopped for lunch while still fairly high up on the ridge, under the meager shade of a short evergreen. Then on down we went. </p><p>I was hiking faster than Ambrose at this point, in a total reversal of our usual paces. Since I was now hiking faster on the downhill than Ambrose, I figured that was just more evidence that I had been starting to get altitude sickness. I made sure not to hike too far ahead of him, just in case he needed help. But we made it all the way down past the second stream crossing without incident. </p><p>After that, there wasn’t an incident per se, but we did run into some people. They were also hiking down, but they hadn’t gone as far up as us. It was a large family group, more than seven people, plus kids and dogs, and they paused for us to pass just before the last stream crossing. Ambrose heard the kids asking one of the adults why we were so smelly, and he explained that we had been working hard. I thought that was funny when Ambrose told me later, but I didn’t catch it at the time. </p><p>I could hear them pausing at the stream to play in the water a bit. We hiked on the last stretch back to the trailhead and got into the car with relief. </p><p>I almost drove past the campsite; only Ambrose’s reminder got me to turn on time. For the rest of the afternoon, we drank water and chased the shade until it was time for dinner. We listened to an audiobook for a bit, though that was spoiled when some folks decided they had nothing better to do than drive their very loud motor vehicles up and down the little stretch of road we were camped next to. </p><p>Soon after dinner, the sun disappeared behind the ridge and we retreated into the tent for the night. I'd asked Ambrose about the bouncy mattress and he had just expected that I'd finish pumping it. And I would have, if he would have left the pump out instead of putting it away. . . So, I pumped it up to a nice firmness before we settled in for the night. </p><p>The next morning, I got up and made myself some tea for the drive home. Usually, I bug Ambrose to do the cooking, but I decided to let him sleep in a bit. After all, the whole reason I was driving on this trip was to thank him for being my driver for the ICT trip. Why not demonstrate my thankfulness a bit more by getting my own water boiled? </p><p>We had a bit of breakfast, and then headed out. I didn’t want to wait too long. There was traffic to consider, which would probably be worse later in the day. And I wanted to go to the roadside hot spring. I hoped getting there early would mean no one else was using it. Indeed, when we arrived, it was available for us. </p><p>I love that hot spring. It’s so nice to have a “hot bath” after a camping trip. I got my fill of hot soaking, and then I drove us the rest of the way home. We stopped for milkshakes, one last treat for our last outing of the season. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7GhlX-9UUHHZvT3oX7knFysFT2BgYQ5Klf5vDZX-fcpcMhkKFmUZhpkB00K45eBk2XJaK6EcU9UJcO9cOxoZWfU4JIOm4I691U1j7f0cYK0z6WwyvQ4CzrH-6FAhuaAbx8wLBLl-QvUtrhdjCqoQ-RQKGrdlVo1L7nAgSSBwrNfSPVb7tfhenWpk/s5184/R0015613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7GhlX-9UUHHZvT3oX7knFysFT2BgYQ5Klf5vDZX-fcpcMhkKFmUZhpkB00K45eBk2XJaK6EcU9UJcO9cOxoZWfU4JIOm4I691U1j7f0cYK0z6WwyvQ4CzrH-6FAhuaAbx8wLBLl-QvUtrhdjCqoQ-RQKGrdlVo1L7nAgSSBwrNfSPVb7tfhenWpk/w400-h300/R0015613.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun hadn't crested the eastern ridgeline when we left the tent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5gG_-476rBH3VY193wCkpj6C4WVZanxBjiYkzeE8ughHR27bKnvi3QvMaPg3wN3pLX595HaPrABK7Q6jVAa4gLMdwXZxI4CPg_8btvCmyFsI-8cDxj9RX3AXlahQwvF2Je45Y_Xb1dpTa8J8-NJh66x5DAsu8h_FZlghtzJBQ-jRYOJ2c65OSa_g/s5184/R0015614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5gG_-476rBH3VY193wCkpj6C4WVZanxBjiYkzeE8ughHR27bKnvi3QvMaPg3wN3pLX595HaPrABK7Q6jVAa4gLMdwXZxI4CPg_8btvCmyFsI-8cDxj9RX3AXlahQwvF2Je45Y_Xb1dpTa8J8-NJh66x5DAsu8h_FZlghtzJBQ-jRYOJ2c65OSa_g/w400-h300/R0015614.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the morning grew bright before we left the car.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRlLe8UVNFvdRP99Jqmku-G3W8Uxf1zSfu6a_beAitr6mOj5VJqOIM5a5_1AMulWBEf9IOduLlIr3uuKOrikWJxI17za1C5OEQfU6zRil7lnASbZYiQ4Df5DdhRmAkvWNp4yD4nA5_nrX4W549xssBEI0Ed_1oHpws0HyKCt86C9va0jRGtglhwJW/s1280/R0015617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRlLe8UVNFvdRP99Jqmku-G3W8Uxf1zSfu6a_beAitr6mOj5VJqOIM5a5_1AMulWBEf9IOduLlIr3uuKOrikWJxI17za1C5OEQfU6zRil7lnASbZYiQ4Df5DdhRmAkvWNp4yD4nA5_nrX4W549xssBEI0Ed_1oHpws0HyKCt86C9va0jRGtglhwJW/w400-h300/R0015617.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first stream crossing - notice the sharp turn of the trail on the far side!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pgw1SxltUoJkN7v4jXYvFPzHnbCMFpPR4_TKk0nZZzpb-dYPJKyB48u0W6ffG2v6trZKTpA70wMHRWmK_O2wMG-VqyeLTBTV-pAS3a5Dd1eM1esfxQVxv2XNEKeQxUDKWwWON4ceZ1OpudwS6pN0xO0qHYfj_RnW4qZvdH4ObGPtc-HCbIlTmLDt/s5184/R0015621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pgw1SxltUoJkN7v4jXYvFPzHnbCMFpPR4_TKk0nZZzpb-dYPJKyB48u0W6ffG2v6trZKTpA70wMHRWmK_O2wMG-VqyeLTBTV-pAS3a5Dd1eM1esfxQVxv2XNEKeQxUDKWwWON4ceZ1OpudwS6pN0xO0qHYfj_RnW4qZvdH4ObGPtc-HCbIlTmLDt/w400-h300/R0015621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deer was up on the ridge to the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YCUL2y80KVlb3ptVlVLIdqUzQ30ovsOv9bA7LITjXog1ysR4bgqBiTtUgE_FjDm6d0Yur_rCamNHNNEoQTjnihRabRsj-52VS-HQphDFwdj3O_qgZeUIONK8UmGB4NtEwyL36J5cNdBBPIXkhXsvnp7DGr3fcZnjNwmSCXJSI-3qMZKtY6VOa-PU/s5184/R0015624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YCUL2y80KVlb3ptVlVLIdqUzQ30ovsOv9bA7LITjXog1ysR4bgqBiTtUgE_FjDm6d0Yur_rCamNHNNEoQTjnihRabRsj-52VS-HQphDFwdj3O_qgZeUIONK8UmGB4NtEwyL36J5cNdBBPIXkhXsvnp7DGr3fcZnjNwmSCXJSI-3qMZKtY6VOa-PU/w400-h300/R0015624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It ran far and fast, but I caught its rear.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrhRqBSdMWVugJd3mOObk2QpWgp-1C4NmRqWBFLwprFO8vbW3mezVXlEh3NDSOZvXNASLSXsR0dOutiZqJrKKQ_0h8AgL34k6cxN68jP18zKxbtPAC_84QVebgLyqCqjhQdjQuP-BpV07X65yMgp8DAk99_MMJGNV_nssPPDp_7DRpZr-QUGxkm0X/s5184/R0015627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrhRqBSdMWVugJd3mOObk2QpWgp-1C4NmRqWBFLwprFO8vbW3mezVXlEh3NDSOZvXNASLSXsR0dOutiZqJrKKQ_0h8AgL34k6cxN68jP18zKxbtPAC_84QVebgLyqCqjhQdjQuP-BpV07X65yMgp8DAk99_MMJGNV_nssPPDp_7DRpZr-QUGxkm0X/w400-h300/R0015627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDsta5StIYgWfUR7o3NTUt_x8j88zvJ0PZp_4PXbhxqOLzbFKAGrwWJtMfvBpxuqq9ywxRkPYWp8oTt3OwIhkprSriKlmVzcTyzTWPJFIxFebtd11X3qD63w3B-PAmArkHTvRrKoZHi2FZNIJiXGfk3WOFFLS8XpJvYzW3pIAVHCod10lJ2hglUby/s5184/R0015629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDsta5StIYgWfUR7o3NTUt_x8j88zvJ0PZp_4PXbhxqOLzbFKAGrwWJtMfvBpxuqq9ywxRkPYWp8oTt3OwIhkprSriKlmVzcTyzTWPJFIxFebtd11X3qD63w3B-PAmArkHTvRrKoZHi2FZNIJiXGfk3WOFFLS8XpJvYzW3pIAVHCod10lJ2hglUby/w400-h300/R0015629.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail had a little reroute around this fallen giant.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvQpGdCS80SMEazStH1z7oCwqqZP1h1P2250nkR1-EaSwu_56LbFL2yePukPwNvnkwrYcolKcnhRPue21T4mudIx2nZEgmk5g8_gd4DCCOR-_vFBVMMTgHjFKQ2FKldW27QlbkyR4nCPUHzVyhVsun_SVsqp4z43uQNhjuSawLKCEmbnEhwbx2nfd/s5184/R0015635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvQpGdCS80SMEazStH1z7oCwqqZP1h1P2250nkR1-EaSwu_56LbFL2yePukPwNvnkwrYcolKcnhRPue21T4mudIx2nZEgmk5g8_gd4DCCOR-_vFBVMMTgHjFKQ2FKldW27QlbkyR4nCPUHzVyhVsun_SVsqp4z43uQNhjuSawLKCEmbnEhwbx2nfd/w400-h300/R0015635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dragged myself along behind Ambrose.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mPronppkCqBkio2zdKS5FszPF8WJ40qZ5giYcnfqdYwdBV_Ln0sNeqyCjBZjR8Jv0HI4cz9lXjB1JBVlR7VyKB00JKOg1cLu9bjF_HeqtiL5ICSdsAJ_4OxtEaxGK_P0Sdk4i2ySmgd53bcs4f1IXm8wq7QdtAqU0ba84D3VoGLqInHVW5UOXshu/s5184/R0015636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mPronppkCqBkio2zdKS5FszPF8WJ40qZ5giYcnfqdYwdBV_Ln0sNeqyCjBZjR8Jv0HI4cz9lXjB1JBVlR7VyKB00JKOg1cLu9bjF_HeqtiL5ICSdsAJ_4OxtEaxGK_P0Sdk4i2ySmgd53bcs4f1IXm8wq7QdtAqU0ba84D3VoGLqInHVW5UOXshu/w400-h300/R0015636.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke filled the valley below.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9Do5J2XptDG8c0TfTYbh7ibU8LASZ1a9icv-Nv8zjVVFR6RvNrvXh3fHkM7ZGU-9k8HJWJj91D_3lhOBXOW6fwwN63q8Ap_KzwZkT0XxOYxGlBRXtb26ffbDfnYzNlAVXaXbSZoMWg6R0xjVLTKgB7Sckw9NLZNgKBOtexmepSaQeSovxjkaP0Ae/s5184/R0015643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9Do5J2XptDG8c0TfTYbh7ibU8LASZ1a9icv-Nv8zjVVFR6RvNrvXh3fHkM7ZGU-9k8HJWJj91D_3lhOBXOW6fwwN63q8Ap_KzwZkT0XxOYxGlBRXtb26ffbDfnYzNlAVXaXbSZoMWg6R0xjVLTKgB7Sckw9NLZNgKBOtexmepSaQeSovxjkaP0Ae/w400-h300/R0015643.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second stream crossing of the same stream.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a2OpWaL5CiBNaq23M4YH6dGfFm6cRdRvGDWkuojsw6mfFvBatYOLlBRpQImD4IvF9pvI5dX1FS_inEhD_jgS7Jv1T8n6OJOuO62emAtRxrVGGwgW5aMy2ZWbY2WM8JHzF1Old5hl5RyuukKV9_SQ45tnFsP0yD2QLK2uV8FRdDpd-EFYiemKJR-Q/s5184/R0015646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a2OpWaL5CiBNaq23M4YH6dGfFm6cRdRvGDWkuojsw6mfFvBatYOLlBRpQImD4IvF9pvI5dX1FS_inEhD_jgS7Jv1T8n6OJOuO62emAtRxrVGGwgW5aMy2ZWbY2WM8JHzF1Old5hl5RyuukKV9_SQ45tnFsP0yD2QLK2uV8FRdDpd-EFYiemKJR-Q/w400-h300/R0015646.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More valley smoke.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFat8x7yE8JCedztMD0QAObfHdfhsctBp2s6l0NGn5-PTFDq4RSynXeVgvfRZVVYZuvf7n8dEpIlspn5LGTlOwizUlV19FgSEkWTFJfenA81WqmQlJn0u0k76D0_oBqBaF1PmJSGpalZIllf_a7dUd9eWNw2V17_JSnC5e1xbTLHDPnakP7yYig3e0/s5184/R0015649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFat8x7yE8JCedztMD0QAObfHdfhsctBp2s6l0NGn5-PTFDq4RSynXeVgvfRZVVYZuvf7n8dEpIlspn5LGTlOwizUlV19FgSEkWTFJfenA81WqmQlJn0u0k76D0_oBqBaF1PmJSGpalZIllf_a7dUd9eWNw2V17_JSnC5e1xbTLHDPnakP7yYig3e0/w400-h300/R0015649.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how these shots turned out.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnTsGcaAbNG1ppBkGO5BfJ5ff9-12bYMXyAcRKZ3JlnkqKZ1oD3Qt--POaocZJs4825FvxfCNkG2wEfYyEHtkS3JikRYhhI0FO1KeLvJEKwXOevUMG94K-tMDcKR_LqXXLxB8xHAAADc7t7IkDAbTCY5EYu4HFCklzKB9Est-L7Vf044wt-H8QjM8/s5184/R0015650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnTsGcaAbNG1ppBkGO5BfJ5ff9-12bYMXyAcRKZ3JlnkqKZ1oD3Qt--POaocZJs4825FvxfCNkG2wEfYyEHtkS3JikRYhhI0FO1KeLvJEKwXOevUMG94K-tMDcKR_LqXXLxB8xHAAADc7t7IkDAbTCY5EYu4HFCklzKB9Est-L7Vf044wt-H8QjM8/w400-h300/R0015650.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is nearly at the point where I will stop for the day.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKknVzaHHhYr3hCAb_GpGv6MLkSfqOznR_lnFK9uMYP5Sk0mZdW5ULKnQc_U8otmlMybISSHiCKHaPn6fXYDw6lYg5Ug_mhFtuMIHZ6XL2qzFdnRuR4n--DFGDIHFqgLBqf2xTuEijxHQ4h5ZDS7BWQospQodgUf-tNc_Kf0-e0u2mGSTgk7gLt4hF/s5184/R0015652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKknVzaHHhYr3hCAb_GpGv6MLkSfqOznR_lnFK9uMYP5Sk0mZdW5ULKnQc_U8otmlMybISSHiCKHaPn6fXYDw6lYg5Ug_mhFtuMIHZ6XL2qzFdnRuR4n--DFGDIHFqgLBqf2xTuEijxHQ4h5ZDS7BWQospQodgUf-tNc_Kf0-e0u2mGSTgk7gLt4hF/w400-h300/R0015652.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He took this picture to illustrate why he was turning back. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-EfclxNiGUABL9dZNMruaiIXK-U7l4JxUJUSVGq_ZkeZISIuv8f5qm6AWmxrw9DS6fZyQb7Q3g6pJmIrjp4Youn2e-KyHg5eHE5nz-gzaXaR4J-1ko0JzL5FZVzNCxA9rLm4pSt1u9ByK7hkGv31oe4W17tS5DKmTa9Y00Or3wx6IqyK9LwoMA33/s5184/R0015656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-EfclxNiGUABL9dZNMruaiIXK-U7l4JxUJUSVGq_ZkeZISIuv8f5qm6AWmxrw9DS6fZyQb7Q3g6pJmIrjp4Youn2e-KyHg5eHE5nz-gzaXaR4J-1ko0JzL5FZVzNCxA9rLm4pSt1u9ByK7hkGv31oe4W17tS5DKmTa9Y00Or3wx6IqyK9LwoMA33/w400-h300/R0015656.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose's smoky shot of a switchback.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDU-UPKWLglm4zOc2fK9LuBkPYolbXxqtpHP8As8fQTbOkNZG-_Cex2MbCEbN-6PrLHbPPZkchu_SD4zMorPnWV8P0t2iv4DugNcOwTbqt5xTt_gsSqZjEnQWqr7cj8RfWK4inlqoqrEp5tI9DeACIJTI4XOqPLIflK0iF7lcNAKz9eJGf2ggUo26/s5184/R0015658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDU-UPKWLglm4zOc2fK9LuBkPYolbXxqtpHP8As8fQTbOkNZG-_Cex2MbCEbN-6PrLHbPPZkchu_SD4zMorPnWV8P0t2iv4DugNcOwTbqt5xTt_gsSqZjEnQWqr7cj8RfWK4inlqoqrEp5tI9DeACIJTI4XOqPLIflK0iF7lcNAKz9eJGf2ggUo26/w400-h300/R0015658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A zoomed in shot of Newman Peak, courtesy of Ambrose.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY8u4F8stZpdhywTi5UOA3j4vsa-GlhgjH90xz_8QI0mOy45iKNGiotfXP4IMa3_bgC3-q9nvYFNmanedC8nZ7Krr8ofMq0G5wRNvZm10o9J_8sQKk72GXtE06vhqsdoZec4HOiS2ybqzTL1YM1J5SBo9oaa8u3gcC3BmCen7pCI_f21ZMa4uNjIy/s5184/R0015659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY8u4F8stZpdhywTi5UOA3j4vsa-GlhgjH90xz_8QI0mOy45iKNGiotfXP4IMa3_bgC3-q9nvYFNmanedC8nZ7Krr8ofMq0G5wRNvZm10o9J_8sQKk72GXtE06vhqsdoZec4HOiS2ybqzTL1YM1J5SBo9oaa8u3gcC3BmCen7pCI_f21ZMa4uNjIy/w400-h300/R0015659.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal pole at the bench spot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrf5wvh6aE6KgCsIQozBXxRTcd4TaFcBeB6rK35b9BiP7XanbnOMvGTvXCv864j5FEdxa4paMweupWpYO5vuyJdJ7t_e46-NfV0PRqFZ1y5QEknDuX2jcyHb3TKdowv4Pn3LIzFdLSejfHi3VaOaD299ZcjoOFP_xeOLxnBjDdHeCAdq32ETDRYHO/s5184/R0015660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrf5wvh6aE6KgCsIQozBXxRTcd4TaFcBeB6rK35b9BiP7XanbnOMvGTvXCv864j5FEdxa4paMweupWpYO5vuyJdJ7t_e46-NfV0PRqFZ1y5QEknDuX2jcyHb3TKdowv4Pn3LIzFdLSejfHi3VaOaD299ZcjoOFP_xeOLxnBjDdHeCAdq32ETDRYHO/w400-h300/R0015660.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose taking a break on the bench.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph8xP2wJLHgwd8EhC2UBEpFzCBClSY8nCBJe6rmOVYo2BcemrTpPAYpC-VD_DxnK833d8E3yrg0bwQfmnXDMOjle5OwMFtZM3Q_goOSiP5S_l5Th7XzwEFXClyPtRTfop_Icgu4URUywAl0jRimS4kxsaeiMDTVuYoYZLe5DtDP6Co6i72QHmv3Oa/s5184/R0015665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph8xP2wJLHgwd8EhC2UBEpFzCBClSY8nCBJe6rmOVYo2BcemrTpPAYpC-VD_DxnK833d8E3yrg0bwQfmnXDMOjle5OwMFtZM3Q_goOSiP5S_l5Th7XzwEFXClyPtRTfop_Icgu4URUywAl0jRimS4kxsaeiMDTVuYoYZLe5DtDP6Co6i72QHmv3Oa/w400-h300/R0015665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smoke was thinning out a bit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0k2J8wOEGGPmxXqaLkVOmjQAFZJt1aSnfu5yaX7dmWqTT1nFVniMTU9z3RV20NvLQ4GKI2y_-cBjTHAh-_hMTemVj80AEfw84Cf_QelI7ghwionfrAEBrUaDnoUD2uZELn-JBnqQskKgbxctdkeShZiMU9NNMt5MNkVEMo7ZXfErxqX_asBOdmAO/s5184/R0015670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0k2J8wOEGGPmxXqaLkVOmjQAFZJt1aSnfu5yaX7dmWqTT1nFVniMTU9z3RV20NvLQ4GKI2y_-cBjTHAh-_hMTemVj80AEfw84Cf_QelI7ghwionfrAEBrUaDnoUD2uZELn-JBnqQskKgbxctdkeShZiMU9NNMt5MNkVEMo7ZXfErxqX_asBOdmAO/w400-h300/R0015670.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The descent went faster. Funny how that happens.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m0frufrCXwXSwsRsvetw-5pFkmQJ7c-bO2zwkmgYW8UYD9vG0BMqE_vZu2LawgLe2uFs8kbrontuskDULOEPn_Eh49edPg4auLQT6ohq-jilwN1hWeDwPa7RVYYBOvQh8Krj1FFewxdwSpuaXwJj0ibfkgEIKlsYi3gL4RTKhhXAwUsWX6aZtXl9/s5184/R0015672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m0frufrCXwXSwsRsvetw-5pFkmQJ7c-bO2zwkmgYW8UYD9vG0BMqE_vZu2LawgLe2uFs8kbrontuskDULOEPn_Eh49edPg4auLQT6ohq-jilwN1hWeDwPa7RVYYBOvQh8Krj1FFewxdwSpuaXwJj0ibfkgEIKlsYi3gL4RTKhhXAwUsWX6aZtXl9/w400-h300/R0015672.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amount of smoke depended on the valley. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU6evFL92vg8Ig1FxEdfp6hwfmSevIgTNom2CdHSlvZ9-eHycK--QlRYKN6J5o7aImkqdVMNV9xqfdMO2sEuuzvbltVBf-HPwJ4FBJ4yLLTlp7y-4UKn4TrIn9qlw_C8uM-5JbA2SruAoLdakjPJR6jyweNc0DZFD4_YOXA4NL9ntAdqRKxmnC7f9/s5184/R0015679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU6evFL92vg8Ig1FxEdfp6hwfmSevIgTNom2CdHSlvZ9-eHycK--QlRYKN6J5o7aImkqdVMNV9xqfdMO2sEuuzvbltVBf-HPwJ4FBJ4yLLTlp7y-4UKn4TrIn9qlw_C8uM-5JbA2SruAoLdakjPJR6jyweNc0DZFD4_YOXA4NL9ntAdqRKxmnC7f9/w400-h300/R0015679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail heading down.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA-W6CY7MpuPwZWK8p286AmGacwFR5QRpSf54JwA9lRs__Xu38eMYafAQ6E5SsVNpA9JEUGJnMrmZBpXiqOP1pfNcHKlQRCnWFdbDlksXWnyts6mP-_cejra-6XYRVyrwo-sYc5mwjzOgj8Uy7fs_0R6xlThOo9-kJnua6gLWrHBxoc2Go3dsEJEC/s5184/R0015683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoA-W6CY7MpuPwZWK8p286AmGacwFR5QRpSf54JwA9lRs__Xu38eMYafAQ6E5SsVNpA9JEUGJnMrmZBpXiqOP1pfNcHKlQRCnWFdbDlksXWnyts6mP-_cejra-6XYRVyrwo-sYc5mwjzOgj8Uy7fs_0R6xlThOo9-kJnua6gLWrHBxoc2Go3dsEJEC/w400-h300/R0015683.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People ahead!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWqG6PkjNZYkCeZpjez_Kj7AR_HDYjqJtb0DU-wrn9iim_mR4aNwH5ygNTyTzSTIyGJRIsXfXbj7Z7oNhzTPWdhUbSI7YWTE42Jb1OWQkrBgDxJxWkXeQeKeDHMTe8WRxI-o95fw3upRew7FVFCOyizbbzYFkno-jx8LlQKSTrO72x_FStu1b7_Q5/s5184/R0015686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWqG6PkjNZYkCeZpjez_Kj7AR_HDYjqJtb0DU-wrn9iim_mR4aNwH5ygNTyTzSTIyGJRIsXfXbj7Z7oNhzTPWdhUbSI7YWTE42Jb1OWQkrBgDxJxWkXeQeKeDHMTe8WRxI-o95fw3upRew7FVFCOyizbbzYFkno-jx8LlQKSTrO72x_FStu1b7_Q5/w400-h300/R0015686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last crossing of the day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyW0x8sYj0u5YgV-D7OZ2h-hW9XguvRi_r9Zqrce_hpLPXWCSuONySESYKyeKcyvxjGMWfQaxo5sOyU0PNQDLzggfT2FMgYbFVllffLHC3I8oCaQrp_Fvf_1rp43CxcNMf77Zt70tgBsMyFSHT4mnFBQwb6jKGkac9LufDBCdFWbEt-WngKQwjNz4/s5184/R0015692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyW0x8sYj0u5YgV-D7OZ2h-hW9XguvRi_r9Zqrce_hpLPXWCSuONySESYKyeKcyvxjGMWfQaxo5sOyU0PNQDLzggfT2FMgYbFVllffLHC3I8oCaQrp_Fvf_1rp43CxcNMf77Zt70tgBsMyFSHT4mnFBQwb6jKGkac9LufDBCdFWbEt-WngKQwjNz4/w400-h300/R0015692.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there, the car's just behind the center trees. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPSNfQFtW56hEh_mvyM0wtQv-Bzoh0QjF5Q8o4fMy9njnFKg599g55t8M_JNSuNKhUeLteTfMaFcrBX7k7LpZlbvad1rLRejqUgmlF_ICekPi0qwIgCEc_oJCEBzlcZAPaYEpyx-_DssKkG8dNenD3c4w-Gb9_yyScNIPEeQMGVARX8_Bq7pzlR2F/s5184/R0015694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPSNfQFtW56hEh_mvyM0wtQv-Bzoh0QjF5Q8o4fMy9njnFKg599g55t8M_JNSuNKhUeLteTfMaFcrBX7k7LpZlbvad1rLRejqUgmlF_ICekPi0qwIgCEc_oJCEBzlcZAPaYEpyx-_DssKkG8dNenD3c4w-Gb9_yyScNIPEeQMGVARX8_Bq7pzlR2F/w400-h300/R0015694.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie next to the car.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-54094778541785612022022-10-19T08:00:00.010-06:002022-10-19T08:38:36.553-06:00Newman Peak 2022 Part 1<p>Ambrose and I had planned on a backpacking trip over Labor Day weekend, but we had to change our plans again. On the Idaho Centennial Trail Hike, Ambrose’s waist belt ended up being too small and wore holes in his hips (yeah, he’s going to have to get a size medium before next season). Luckily, I remind him that his new day pack doesn’t <i>have </i>a hip belt. That meant we could drive out and camp and go on a day hike!</p><p>He agreed in principle, and then I suggested we hike Newman Peak. For some reason, I thought he'd done it before. He had shown me the trailhead for the trail he used to take to that way. So I thought revisiting it would be fun for him. He agreed, and thus our journey was set. </p><p>I had a work obligation for that Saturday, but once that was done, we drove out to Mountain Home, then Fairfield, then deep into the woods. There was a fire burning near the area we were going, but I had checked the Incident report, and there were no closures that should affect us. The fire was burning a few valleys over, and we could see and smell smoke in the air. </p><p>Despite the smoke, the campsites we drove by were quite crowded. We had hoped to camp at the same site as the trailhead, but there were groups at the main sites. There were a couple of potential spots near the trailhead, but they were less than ideal. The sun was baking them and little shade was on offer. So we got back in the car and I kept driving. I knew there was another campsite ahead, and this one had pit toilets. </p><p>Unfortunately, that campsite was closed. Kind of. I mean, it was in use, but only by firefighting personnel. So I turned the car around and headed back. There was a spot off the road we could use for dispersed camping that I’d driven by already, but before we sought that out, we tried one other road. Just after a bridge, there were spots available, but also trucks parked, including a fire fighter’s truck. There was a firefighter talking to the driver of a truck, and he came over to speak with us. </p><p>He told us the fire closure area had been expanded and that we needed to cross back over the bridge to get out of the closure zone. He had a map in plastic on a clipboard that displayed the new boundary. I was glad to see Newman Peak was outside, as I figured it would be. The firefighter also said that this expansion was a precaution, and that the fire wasn’t likely to come this way. I didn’t want to have to evacuate, so I hoped he was right. </p><p>I made for the dispersed site that I’d spotted. I’d noted that it was just before the road took a noticeable downhill dive with a slight curve. I drove slowly so I could pay attention right after I climbed back up that hill. I found the spot and pulled just far enough into the grass an dirt to be completely off the road. Then we got out of the car and explored. </p><p>It had clearly been used as a campsite before, but not very recently. There was a fire ring, but it didn’t have the look of one that had had a fire lately. There was also debris lying around, like metal wires and old tin cans. It wasn’t my ideal site, but it would do. There was a flat spot, and a number of trees offered shade. The shade wasn’t huge, and it moved frequently, but it was something we could work with. We decided to stay. </p><p>I went back to the car to pull it farther off the road while Ambrose began to set up the tent. I then got out the chairs and my laptop. My hope was to get some blog writing done on this trip. I made sure to bring my water bottle along before I sat down. I’d been driving for hours, and I knew I hadn’t been drinking enough water during that time. I needed to prepare for the next day’s hike by hydrating. </p><p>And so, instead of writing, I ended up reading for a bit while I worked on drinking water. If I were typing, I wouldn’t be drinking as much. I can hold my kindle with one hand and my water bottle with the other. It was the responsible decision, I swear. Of course, I later regretted not getting more writing done on that trip. </p><p>Ambrose was also a bit of a distraction. He hadn’t put up our big tent in a while, and we had a new footprint that he had never used before. I’d only used it once myself, and it was different than our original, even though it was for the same model tent. We got ours when the model was first released and bought the new one on clearance because the line had been discontinued. The original had six straps, one for each point of contact of the tent poles. The new one only has four, one at each corner. Neither the tent, nor, in my opinion, the footprint was a square (Ambrose begged to differ). The footprint had a label indicating which end was for the doors, but Ambrose didn’t think it mattered, and was setting it up with the label on the wall sides. I got up at one point to offer to help, but he told me to sit back down. Then one of the tent poles escaped its hole and thwapped me square on the foot. I made haste back to my chair. </p><p>I continued to read, and to snack a bit. I tried not to pay too much attention to Ambrose’s struggles. He did get the tent up, and it was fine. He also pumped up the air mattress, though that was a bit looser than normal. I thought it was because of Ambrose’s sore spots, so I didn’t offer to pump it more. He finally got his chance to sit down and start hydrating. We both moved our chairs a few times before dinner. During dinner, the sun disappeared. The sky was a little smoky, and the road was fairly busy, but we were snugged right up against a relatively high ridge. No more burning sun! The air finally began to cool and I reveled in the cool as I finished eating my dinner. Ambrose headed into the tent as soon as the sun had sank enough to leave the tent in shadow. I was outside until I started getting chilly. </p><p>Inside the tent, the temperature was very nice, even though the mattress was kind of bouncy and underinflated. I read a bit more before going to sleep. </p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-50856567935667505062022-10-12T08:00:00.115-06:002022-10-13T10:15:25.180-06:00Grouse Butte Training Hike<p>Between our Chamberlain trip, and my Idaho Centennial Trail trip, I wanted to get in one last training hike. I didn’t want to rest for all the weekends. Unfortunately, Ambrose wasn't feeling up to a hike, so a short backpacking trip was now out of the question. We had thought about a trip to Johnson Lake in the Queens River area. Ambrose was inclined not to go anywhere at all, but I insisted. I needed that last hike! </p><p>I decided on a short but sweet little day hike in the Boise National Forest. We would drive to Willow Creek Transfer Camp and I would do a day hike up to Grouse Butte. Grouse Butte is almost on the Idaho Centennial Trail. When I did that section of the ICT, I thought about going up to the Butte, but decided against it. It was like an extra quarter mile and 300 feet elevation. But I always figured I’d come back some time and get to the top. I’m not a serious peak bagger, but I like to climb high points. </p><p>I’d actually planned to hike up to Grouse Butte last year, but I wasn’t feeling great that day and I ended up stopping at the top of Virginia Gulch. I hoped that I wouldn’t encounter the same kind of issue, but it was also nice to know that I could get a good hike in even if I didn’t make it all the way up. After all, Virginia Gulch is like 2000 feet of gain in like two miles. It's a challenge. </p><p>I took off from work early on Friday so we could drive out. It's a 3 to 4 hour drive, and we both wanted to get there well before dark to get the tent set up. Ambrose drove, and I finally got a picture of a weird house in Featherville that has a sign reading Qspot. I’ve been seeing it since 2020, but hadn’t managed to get a picture until now. </p><p>When we got to the Willow Creek Transfer Camp, I was surprised. I had been there in late June, and it had undergone some changes. New rocks lined the road near the campsites, and there were no picnic tables. The Willow Creek site was still under construction, and I’m pretty sure they were using the tables from transfer camp down there for something. I hope the tables come back, but we made do without them. </p><p>I got the tent set up, and we settled in for some relaxation time. </p><p>The next morning, I got up early, got dressed and got in the car. Sure, I could have walked the mile or so to the trailhead, but Ambrose was able and willing to give me a ride. How could I possibly refuse? Especially since I asked. </p><p>There was one vehicle at the trailhead already, and I wondered if I was going to catch someone or maybe cross paths as I hiked up. I’ve encountered hikers on this trail before, but not a lot. It’s a tough trail. I think more people go up on motorbikes than on foot. Ambrose parked the car, and we both got out. I got my pack on while Ambrose grabbed the camera to take some pictures of me. He got quite a few, though the lighting wasn’t great. He even caught me in the middle of regripping my trekking poles, and I can see my hands in the flicking position, just slightly blurred. </p><p>I started hiking at about 6:40 in the morning. The sun wasn’t shining on me, but it was up enough to give me plenty of light to hike by. Not as much to take pictures by though. The light in the morning always gives me a bit of trouble with photos. I don’t like using the flash, because it tends to put too much light on foreground objects and completely lose detail in the background. With my point and shoot, I need to get good angles and hold the camera quite still to get decent morning light pictures. </p><p>The start of the trail is a bridge over the Boise River. Ambrose took some pictures of me on the bridge, and then crossed with me. It was clear many motorbikes had been crossing the bridge from the tracks in the dirt. Also, and unfortunately, clear, was the pile of toilet paper behind a large tree trunk. It was as if someone asked themselves, what is the absolute least I could do to get rid of this toilet paper? Because the only way this would have been more disgusting was if it were literally in the middle of the trail. I mean, it was less than 3 feet from the trail, and not buried at all. Plus, they were probably no more than the length of the bridge from their car. Why could they not have just walked it to their car to properly dispose of it? Why leave it there? I just don’t get it. </p><p>So that wasn’t the most pleasant way to start my morning, but I tried to let it go. I can’t make other people respect nature and our shared spaces. I can only try to provide the best example that I can with my own actions. </p><p>The Virginia Gulch trail starts off kind of easy. It lulls one into a false sense of security. Sure, you’re hiking up this canyon, but it’s not that hard. Surely it won’t get any harder! Ha!</p><p>After maybe a quarter mile of relatively flat trail through nicely shaded woods, the trail begins climbing. Switchbacks start and they just don’t stop. The switchbacks bring elevation and views, but they also have a relentless elevation. Up, and up, and up. Then some more up. </p><p>Having hiked this trail several times now, I was expecting the pain. And to be honest, it didn’t feel as hard as it had the last time. Maybe I was in a bit better shape this year than I had been in 2020. That would make sense, considering how messed up that summer season ended up being. But I’ve also found that familiarity with a trail tends to make it feel easier. </p><p>It didn't seem to take long at all for me to reach the higher parts of the Gulch. There are some tremendous views, especially when the light is right. Today, I had threatening storm clouds massing in the distance, but no rain. And no one else on the trail. Which either means that whoever parked at the trailhead was walking along the river (there’s another trail that does that) or they were hiking so much faster than me that I couldn’t catch up. But the lack of foot prints made the former more likely. </p><p>I felt pretty good when I reached the point where the trail crosses a road. It actually follows the road for a stretch, so I hoped I was remembering correctly to take a left. I walked for a bit farther than I expected, but I had indeed chosen the right direction. The trail veered up away from the road and I followed it up. This is where the hiking stops being so relentlessly uphill and starts rolling. Plus, the views began to include expansive views of the Sawtooth range. </p><p>I don’t know exactly what it is about those views, but they fill my heart. They uplift my spirit. I try, again and again, to capture their essence in photographs, but I only get poor substitutes. Well, some of them are pretty nice photos, but they fall short. The best they can do is remind me of being there, which gives my spirit some secondhand lift. </p><p>The combination of clouds and sunlight gilded the landscape even more impressively than usual. I probably could have stayed there a while, but I wanted to keep moving. Just because the hardest part of my hike was done didn’t mean my hike was done!</p><p>I took a break at the same spot I took a break the first time I hiked the trail, where a sign was posted on a tree, despite there not being any intersections at that spot. I also took that opportunity to go off trail and dig myself a hole. I was glad that I was able to wait until that point for hole digging, because the switchbacks don’t offer a lot in the way of off trail space. Up here, I can find a spot well off trail to do my business. </p><p>Then I hiked on. The trail crosses a road, and then I came upon an intersection that I didn’t remember where the trail split. I decided to stick to the high road, just in case. I was pretty sure that was the route I’d taken last time. It brought me to another road crossing, and I could see where the low trail seemed to join back up right at the road. I figured I’d try that one on the way back, see how it was. </p><p>Here, the trail becomes road. There’s a gate that allows the road to be closed off to vehicles. I think they close it in the winter, because the snow gets too high to safely drive. Oh, and in the spring, it keeps vehicles away from migrating animals. I do know the last time I was up this way, which was in early May of 2018, there was snow on the trail. If there’s snow in May, there’s definitely going to be a lot more snow in, say, January. </p><p>Past the gate, the road wound on for longer than I remembered, with more uphill. And more switchbacks! But soon enough, I could see Grouse Butte up ahead, getting closer and closer with each step. I took another break along this stretch of road. I sat with my back against the embankment and watched as the line of sunshine crept from the edge of the road towards me. I ate a snack and enjoyed the incredible views. </p><p>I was very excited to see the junction where the road I was currently walking on met up with the North Fork Lime Creek trail that I’d hiked before. When I hiked there in 2018, the entire junction was covered in snow. I had no idea what it really looked like. </p><p>I suppose that excitement was why I found the sight a bit underwhelming. And it seemed like the signs must have changed, because I thought that the sign post was in a different position than it was before. Still, it was neat to see where the Lime Creek trail actually met the road – it was nowhere near where I had hiked over the snow. </p><p>Then it was time to climb the butte, at long last. There’s not really a trail up to the top of Grouse Butte. There’s use trail, and maybe old trail, but nothing recently maintained. I remembered when I first saw it that there were tire tracks going up the butte, but I didn’t see any tracks now in the dirt. </p><p>I did hear the roar of a motor in the distance, but I wasn’t going to stick around to find out if it was a motorcycle or an ATV. I had a butte to climb! </p><p>After a short hike up, I found a sign marking Grouse Butte. The map has it at 6941 feet of elevation, but it’s got fairly good prominence. To the north, the sprawling giants of the Sawtooths dominated the view, while to the south, rolling foothills gave way to green fields. The wind blew, and insects whirred, and I was delighted. </p><p>As I hiked back down, I could see what looked like an old trail going up another butte right across from Grouse. I didn’t know a name for it, but I was out here to train. Why not climb another hill? When I got back to the junction, I could see there was a sign on that old trail. It stated that the route was closed to vehicles, but it wasn’t one of those “area closed behind this sign” signs. Since I’m not a vehicle, I decided to go on up. Especially because the motor I heard earlier was sounding closer, and I needed to dig a hole. What better place than up a hill where no one could see me? </p><p>This butte had less of a top than Grouse. I’m not even sure it’s technically a butte, but I’m going to roll with that anyway. I wasn’t sure exactly where the high point was when I got up there, so I walked around a bit on the lumpy dirt interspersed with grasses and bushes. Then I caught sight of something weird, a shade of orange that I was not expecting to see. I mean, there are some orange flowers out there, but this orange was way too concentrated to be natural. </p><p>I headed over to check it out and found a very strange sight. There were two shades of orange, and even some pink now that I was close. Most of the orange was like cellophane, broken and scattered over about a square yard. Then there were strings and balloon remnants, plus a white tag. At first, I thought it was a weather balloon. I’ve found those out in the woods before, and I think it’s really neat. But there was no box with instructions for return, just the tag that warned against touching if the balloon was still inflated, due to the dangers of explosive gas. </p><p>At that point, I figured it must have been a part of fire retardant disbursement. I’m not sure that makes sense or not, but I couldn’t think of what other purpose sending a balloon like that out would be. Since I was on a day hike, I gathered up what I could (after taking pictures) and stuck it in my pack to take out to the trash. I wished I could take it all, but I wasn’t really equipped to hoover up cellophane from the dirt. I hoped that the cellophane was a modern biodegradable type; it was falling apart quite easily. </p><p>Then I hiked back down to the junction. I had to step carefully, because the old road no longer resembled a good walking surface. I caught a glimpse of the motorcyclist I’d been hearing, but I’m pretty sure they didn’t see me. Then I started back down the road. Before I had time to get into my rhythm, I heard another motor coming. I stepped as far to the side of the road as I could, while also trying to be visible. Luckily, the driver of the ATV saw me and slowed to go around me. I exchanged smiles with the driver and passenger, and then kept on hiking. </p><p>The clouds that had been threatening as I hiked got a bit more threatening as I descended towards the gate. I even felt a few raindrops. It was also time for lunch. When I got down to the junction below the gate, I picked a spot to sit and eat lunch that was sheltered by evergreens. I might get a little wet if the rain were to start in earnest, but I’d be well protected from sprinkles. I sat down to eat my lunch – a Sans bar. While I sat and ate, two ATVs came down the road. Both drivers looked like hunters, but only one of them noticed me. They drove off well before I finished eating, motor sounds echoing through the hills. </p><p>When I was ready to move, the threat of rain had moved on. It still wasn’t sunny, but that’s not a bad thing when I’m hiking. I had a choice at this point – risk that the low trail would rejoin the high trail or just take the high trail again. </p><p>I took the risk. </p><p>It paid off. This trail was better maintained than the other one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the high trail were closed the next time I got up there. The low trail stayed low longer, which made the climb to rejoin the high trail a bit steeper, but I liked it. </p><p>I continued on the trail, crossing the road again and taking a break at the same spot by the sign that I had on the way up. I spotted a gnarly looking bit of junk on the dirt of the trail. It looked like a fistful of mucous, but it was a weird brownish color. I did take a picture, but I’m not going to post it. I wondered if it was some kind of afterbirth or maybe even part of some animal’s menstrual cycle. Personally, I found it fascinating, but I didn’t have time to linger and examine it more closely. </p><p>The descent of Virginia Gulch is steep and pretty quick. By now, I have a good idea of the trail. I can tell when I’m getting close. But I fell prey to my overthinking. </p><p>You see, throughout this hike, I had been using my InReach Mini to communicate my progress to Ambrose. We were using this trip to test how well the InReach to InReach communication worked since we'd be relying on that for my ICT trip later in the month. I’d sent him a message when I got out of the gulch, another at Grouse Butte. But the main thing was going to be sending him a message when I wanted to be picked up. It’s hard to judge how long it takes the messages to get through. We were hoping to figure out how long I might have to wait if I send him a message right when I need to get picked up. </p><p>So I know I’m getting close to the bottom of the gulch, to the bridge where Ambrose will come and pick me up. I’m within an hour for sure, maybe half an hour. So what do I send to Ambrose? Something that makes sense to me as a “get ready to be at the bridge soon,” right? I tell him I’m on my final approach. </p><p>To me, that means, get yourself ready and head over to the bridge. </p><p>That’s not what it meant to Ambrose. </p><p>I was actually within about 20 minutes of the bridge. I arrived and saw that he was not there. There was another vehicle parked, though not the one that was there in the morning. </p><p>Now, I could have walked to the campsite. It’s not that far. But by now it was the principle of the thing. I’d asked for pickup, and to walk back would defeat the purpose of the exercise! So, I waited. </p><p>Then I sent another message, less subtle. “Pick me up.” </p><p>But that took a while to get through. I parked my pack on the ground so I wouldn’t have to deal with it. I sat on a crooked bench that lives near the bridge. I sat on boulders that border the parking area when the shade left the bench temporarily. </p><p>About half an hour after I had arrived, Ambrose finally pulled up. It wasn’t that he hadn’t gotten my message about the final stretch. It was that he did not at all interpret that message as a call to come to the bridge soon please honey. I definitely learned an important lesson there. Be clear and specific on my satellite messages. </p><p>We got back to camp around 3:30, and I spent the rest of the afternoon recovering. I made sure to drink a lot of water and eat sufficient fuel, including post hike protein. It was a nice, relaxing afternoon. </p><p>In the morning, we had breakfast and then drove on home. Time to get ready for the Idaho Centennial Trail!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FXM3JJyKdxtTbNwrQE1RChWbFOp86pIjCyJgRoF6DsCzPEkezlX6UgULe4ijvpSZSXqd3sGxlG00Vrh7cC6xgFmb5dcAUl-j_Cy7PdjkvsN6I6nSLc35LJuGXU1wxmyMfuzdjBFNqjShJEjpI_LB0xTUdElFUSdg92m3hasHLuPZy4ZoeUfJqFI4/s5184/R0014139.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FXM3JJyKdxtTbNwrQE1RChWbFOp86pIjCyJgRoF6DsCzPEkezlX6UgULe4ijvpSZSXqd3sGxlG00Vrh7cC6xgFmb5dcAUl-j_Cy7PdjkvsN6I6nSLc35LJuGXU1wxmyMfuzdjBFNqjShJEjpI_LB0xTUdElFUSdg92m3hasHLuPZy4ZoeUfJqFI4/w400-h300/R0014139.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose got some pictures of me getting ready.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1K7-FLF_rotX7zdcOY-vazhM5HkvJr0wHQefVo8XnBQlMuxMVvLSWuD04_CmcYD8biDyaW6Gbhb1VC1c75O52zH-VvFy4vNT2PBkeklCkS_CWSQImvv7mPc-wMuE9vmC53bKw-lN4q_YsPJGupkun281pwW24XPykHNXzdWCAAP1iye_WqDvYxNC2/s5184/R0014148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1K7-FLF_rotX7zdcOY-vazhM5HkvJr0wHQefVo8XnBQlMuxMVvLSWuD04_CmcYD8biDyaW6Gbhb1VC1c75O52zH-VvFy4vNT2PBkeklCkS_CWSQImvv7mPc-wMuE9vmC53bKw-lN4q_YsPJGupkun281pwW24XPykHNXzdWCAAP1iye_WqDvYxNC2/w400-h300/R0014148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose caught me mid-trekking pole adjustment.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuzLSrSkUR-5QYXD6Tp4q1Alif3r76KRm_IT9ShQpRZvGTaq9dWltu4dJ6ihQef2CZa9CvOR1Gg53Dk9FEwUPT-5vPUUS8ep9muIsxQdCnd6R-cNdG8PbdFLPrsakhYSU0BlzVynHzfsHutf-sNpbPeVhIlW0bKX4GpScHL0PNkdQfbmM7T_cbMoD/s5184/R0014152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuzLSrSkUR-5QYXD6Tp4q1Alif3r76KRm_IT9ShQpRZvGTaq9dWltu4dJ6ihQef2CZa9CvOR1Gg53Dk9FEwUPT-5vPUUS8ep9muIsxQdCnd6R-cNdG8PbdFLPrsakhYSU0BlzVynHzfsHutf-sNpbPeVhIlW0bKX4GpScHL0PNkdQfbmM7T_cbMoD/w400-h300/R0014152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the bridge over the Boise River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrX2OlLntqMXCkBletAoonu5KZn0UCdyLb41YOM8JWfW9gfvmVQHPr60J8FENfAPesFKv5op7s4a5WaTycXusTlVhwM6TKIBi76psfpIMHVIyUMCnrEAhKMsWyyMVINYfSE6htcwoNA7W5rfDM-GthFzlYes_5i18aOf5abzA_AhNQbWL7Q9zvNpl/s5184/R0014158.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrX2OlLntqMXCkBletAoonu5KZn0UCdyLb41YOM8JWfW9gfvmVQHPr60J8FENfAPesFKv5op7s4a5WaTycXusTlVhwM6TKIBi76psfpIMHVIyUMCnrEAhKMsWyyMVINYfSE6htcwoNA7W5rfDM-GthFzlYes_5i18aOf5abzA_AhNQbWL7Q9zvNpl/w400-h300/R0014158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe people just leave toilet paper on the ground like this.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFMwscem7sk_rkVsGpR8BPPteFdZ-ukFyRiRKMXPAbgpktScpUdMRllzEpWYaL4wRB1UWUAGuJEBROksh9nhtUCs1I2hhkcVGpDjD-Qunq7QfzBUGLl7nWLIB6OCmcOthvV1Jrzl_5Mp_e0CKBKgUPWKxJj249OO_bHfHZJcfeaiB21Gl_Ct9jiUb/s5184/R0014160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFMwscem7sk_rkVsGpR8BPPteFdZ-ukFyRiRKMXPAbgpktScpUdMRllzEpWYaL4wRB1UWUAGuJEBROksh9nhtUCs1I2hhkcVGpDjD-Qunq7QfzBUGLl7nWLIB6OCmcOthvV1Jrzl_5Mp_e0CKBKgUPWKxJj249OO_bHfHZJcfeaiB21Gl_Ct9jiUb/w400-h300/R0014160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm, ripe thimbleberries.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWR4oRkOq2S96DoL62-IUNHIhvdftS3UMwQ-e4FIWWdwpJl3IIIsCMbs6emHigf_aDjzSKhvEy5MIhrnMQ_cjA1Yeybl4NdIOR-1PCj2ENRmn1Trc3yVDtOnFnh0sDJCsWXQvJxSyL9Hk-pKeA0t5mb8VQ5UiyF4i7pkZ13ZfrG3l6MtYhRGVScVa/s5184/R0014164.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWR4oRkOq2S96DoL62-IUNHIhvdftS3UMwQ-e4FIWWdwpJl3IIIsCMbs6emHigf_aDjzSKhvEy5MIhrnMQ_cjA1Yeybl4NdIOR-1PCj2ENRmn1Trc3yVDtOnFnh0sDJCsWXQvJxSyL9Hk-pKeA0t5mb8VQ5UiyF4i7pkZ13ZfrG3l6MtYhRGVScVa/w400-h300/R0014164.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia Gulch is starting to get steep.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLa-0Ezt98wlwZ2ATDxdFWL6UsAI5cavgTj0pU02melTkxLvQTGVET0dMavdAHJZSTJ3m78N6_tnZu-NQpzYleCKVqhaxcqH72G8QugCkTw9dOHh7jZeyCA6yZYglRzHlhUW_fDL3GKswst2K-f3WFI_tvaTgTROep-owOvTDkkJ5MM6syE4f1jid/s5184/R0014179.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLa-0Ezt98wlwZ2ATDxdFWL6UsAI5cavgTj0pU02melTkxLvQTGVET0dMavdAHJZSTJ3m78N6_tnZu-NQpzYleCKVqhaxcqH72G8QugCkTw9dOHh7jZeyCA6yZYglRzHlhUW_fDL3GKswst2K-f3WFI_tvaTgTROep-owOvTDkkJ5MM6syE4f1jid/w400-h300/R0014179.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little sunshine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMjq9hwkNyGDLWxOSDLP8FVHgRtgKMWAz5KkxbUJb9kS4L4U3xwcsXjge0RAcGdFlb_yxj3IcJGIwudhOBPVCDgtg-3imF_B4PUtrekAnbLugLd8wvoe26EzUc5h1RMfJ9IHUJJuqvyULnYlnqopA1earOWYqOe6KHlvOrljef-lX7XNgNx6EKBw2/s5184/R0014185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMjq9hwkNyGDLWxOSDLP8FVHgRtgKMWAz5KkxbUJb9kS4L4U3xwcsXjge0RAcGdFlb_yxj3IcJGIwudhOBPVCDgtg-3imF_B4PUtrekAnbLugLd8wvoe26EzUc5h1RMfJ9IHUJJuqvyULnYlnqopA1earOWYqOe6KHlvOrljef-lX7XNgNx6EKBw2/w400-h300/R0014185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ICT sign!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60ZJEL2u1FfDZgSUZ6_UgoxY6uc8e5Zxy8PCtTW5qu8aE2pnOYYTjrVCr_M8E6w8yyls_4LNlPfKK0rPUx32vcmIK_pX_S3Eb9keH725iicCz1cOy4DJRoEGV6m4t-NCXhEUI3obIT0jMp3CfkPy_bfLqkaJ9699RK9jAEzHvK2RWvWX4hXfU-P5w/s5184/R0014187.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60ZJEL2u1FfDZgSUZ6_UgoxY6uc8e5Zxy8PCtTW5qu8aE2pnOYYTjrVCr_M8E6w8yyls_4LNlPfKK0rPUx32vcmIK_pX_S3Eb9keH725iicCz1cOy4DJRoEGV6m4t-NCXhEUI3obIT0jMp3CfkPy_bfLqkaJ9699RK9jAEzHvK2RWvWX4hXfU-P5w/w400-h300/R0014187.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet Glia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXacXU-6KDrOWgvGtmtFoqOLOJH-ybsV3BBqqn9ewMgSa_VsO04vPcQSVGxZxCw49sMLkxIlSolFoCglt5J72B9Bg6Er4vYiso9lDtDwO5MJrJA9sToBE_is_pcHTPOacHgFnHjtv6ynAHWE_sz2ddZbso1oJGg8vNAeQvBqxXiuazmE4iCtodPbO/s5184/R0014189.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXacXU-6KDrOWgvGtmtFoqOLOJH-ybsV3BBqqn9ewMgSa_VsO04vPcQSVGxZxCw49sMLkxIlSolFoCglt5J72B9Bg6Er4vYiso9lDtDwO5MJrJA9sToBE_is_pcHTPOacHgFnHjtv6ynAHWE_sz2ddZbso1oJGg8vNAeQvBqxXiuazmE4iCtodPbO/w400-h300/R0014189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clouds were hanging out, but the sun was warm.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xbZlKMf53SeAessmW0w07a_IZyv2zvINCApq77pz84eIxhBRBZyfBEWnYI4g9bpnho7gDDf-L1u097oUhiDPnOzheuB2IiAxr6kMBJqIcrSK3ACJA-pUPXUHde-nJEJWA6WfGAtsfY1JFSAUdXlOTJJMLJNi3rfcoIn-k9fITJvzoaBrEkP_f5V0/s5184/R0014199.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xbZlKMf53SeAessmW0w07a_IZyv2zvINCApq77pz84eIxhBRBZyfBEWnYI4g9bpnho7gDDf-L1u097oUhiDPnOzheuB2IiAxr6kMBJqIcrSK3ACJA-pUPXUHde-nJEJWA6WfGAtsfY1JFSAUdXlOTJJMLJNi3rfcoIn-k9fITJvzoaBrEkP_f5V0/w400-h300/R0014199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transitioning from trail to road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOZPrZlGXe_6wM_3sbKx5Sy2dyEK9YFsO0Zt9Le1vQVWMJXcnpcD4wtYZuI2oFOjiTTiXfsYFIG_N8PlmvAYcFLUR3XetD33aQofs8V7wDugpvDxx-iIF80hn123LwmwHSsAV26gsYuBcQOA7BusaW1NzOZ-LkAj2rWcH1-Mv28tcI1trZcnrdd2Y/s5184/R0014204.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOZPrZlGXe_6wM_3sbKx5Sy2dyEK9YFsO0Zt9Le1vQVWMJXcnpcD4wtYZuI2oFOjiTTiXfsYFIG_N8PlmvAYcFLUR3XetD33aQofs8V7wDugpvDxx-iIF80hn123LwmwHSsAV26gsYuBcQOA7BusaW1NzOZ-LkAj2rWcH1-Mv28tcI1trZcnrdd2Y/w400-h300/R0014204.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gate is open.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn_0cWrhdsbUjhSV3jAKGtA3Us_sRC2yv2w93OmgSfrIul9Nt2fmpcCINMTTI7izOm9n5Ierl4PffQ-3VEoc2S51ne5DQ5eA2EO7gi4rGSnO_-qGmOwi0FoWEgFZA5Ov6a1HZQa94DWVQtaCxI2T4BBHQt0Xiqd0PlZJyJYSQPGzdSSZzW5SqYdae/s5184/R0014210.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn_0cWrhdsbUjhSV3jAKGtA3Us_sRC2yv2w93OmgSfrIul9Nt2fmpcCINMTTI7izOm9n5Ierl4PffQ-3VEoc2S51ne5DQ5eA2EO7gi4rGSnO_-qGmOwi0FoWEgFZA5Ov6a1HZQa94DWVQtaCxI2T4BBHQt0Xiqd0PlZJyJYSQPGzdSSZzW5SqYdae/w400-h300/R0014210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't get enough of these views.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YwZqbFWImilw-2b2UcWygep2392c7CDAx7ZzSfd1dShztOlIyMxVld3PjDUmyEHhJHP4mBQQUnRm-7oaQtUMmS4iBHeSyTtWtMT2-T2blLe6vaEJMpD_jSm9OMV6FPpvsOhd89b5IeHoy4_FV1_kZMp8J1jFqr2THdIgjr1gWpORHjmCs3QqIQO0/s5184/R0014215.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YwZqbFWImilw-2b2UcWygep2392c7CDAx7ZzSfd1dShztOlIyMxVld3PjDUmyEHhJHP4mBQQUnRm-7oaQtUMmS4iBHeSyTtWtMT2-T2blLe6vaEJMpD_jSm9OMV6FPpvsOhd89b5IeHoy4_FV1_kZMp8J1jFqr2THdIgjr1gWpORHjmCs3QqIQO0/w400-h300/R0014215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This junction looks so different when it's not covered in snow!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI_DlLvTkQ3WA9umU03m4TaQiK8H8LnJRP1e6XSO6GKR-cjPJ62cJGTY-E2zkySR27vDgDkqGXUrXxGqH8kuJjzPGaWUdkPa_tsfXU1l1TN2nAAbJX3Ov_OgJQpuMRPrcdMtm6qeNDOdUDv0xwXHSNBPev8S5ortVacuNvauvBPW057doCY1rKEhl/s5184/R0014219.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI_DlLvTkQ3WA9umU03m4TaQiK8H8LnJRP1e6XSO6GKR-cjPJ62cJGTY-E2zkySR27vDgDkqGXUrXxGqH8kuJjzPGaWUdkPa_tsfXU1l1TN2nAAbJX3Ov_OgJQpuMRPrcdMtm6qeNDOdUDv0xwXHSNBPev8S5ortVacuNvauvBPW057doCY1rKEhl/w400-h300/R0014219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the butte!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwEwnjlmVQfzo9bY3XYm_luxYfjMfYtsFc0hj7TOd6GfvC0l2xUO-GJ_VONc32qzCu7OgiHji2HGQ75mjZCgcjZbeXGkXVLJ29uoR_ixHE6j7Iom2_wJBTUJ9eCHGoqB9ax0UuAeiQO0uw0WBo9r1XEaUPUwuoN2lqHvgOfIwIQCm3VwUuXllfqVK/s5184/R0014221.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwEwnjlmVQfzo9bY3XYm_luxYfjMfYtsFc0hj7TOd6GfvC0l2xUO-GJ_VONc32qzCu7OgiHji2HGQ75mjZCgcjZbeXGkXVLJ29uoR_ixHE6j7Iom2_wJBTUJ9eCHGoqB9ax0UuAeiQO0uw0WBo9r1XEaUPUwuoN2lqHvgOfIwIQCm3VwUuXllfqVK/w400-h300/R0014221.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird in flight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_6cUuMrgKREshNMU6A0jfw6C80sezduHiMQloEPff0Kl8FNwzuxOyNRP2aH3XJD2DZCTfY0TTjdSgvInqVHMVXtNzWvVnVdaR-NllDO5K9TKujkHA_lAH07k_AlKVOZG_Zc4NuisnMUKPQi_nEpB-KSMidIKOOsrGMgsP_QRmWZWT2IEHuWEaPiv/s1280/R0014224.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_6cUuMrgKREshNMU6A0jfw6C80sezduHiMQloEPff0Kl8FNwzuxOyNRP2aH3XJD2DZCTfY0TTjdSgvInqVHMVXtNzWvVnVdaR-NllDO5K9TKujkHA_lAH07k_AlKVOZG_Zc4NuisnMUKPQi_nEpB-KSMidIKOOsrGMgsP_QRmWZWT2IEHuWEaPiv/w400-h300/R0014224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's the top!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0QESEdEgnETcl4nQh8WJqezcvpG9jplaesBI6lo40xBgQeOzcFVGMOWVQlTszVeELrVMLkQxPLcWVEMoeAh84HPr3amlTyUvSRPHKOYfvE0f2mfAPj_RE6NfbaHarhB7v0l8DtBkX_1J7Fkz_NK4HP6uG-UdOS-d_zdFkD9XPqnjdLd0fYMfeFvX/s5184/R0014232.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0QESEdEgnETcl4nQh8WJqezcvpG9jplaesBI6lo40xBgQeOzcFVGMOWVQlTszVeELrVMLkQxPLcWVEMoeAh84HPr3amlTyUvSRPHKOYfvE0f2mfAPj_RE6NfbaHarhB7v0l8DtBkX_1J7Fkz_NK4HP6uG-UdOS-d_zdFkD9XPqnjdLd0fYMfeFvX/w400-h300/R0014232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butte selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVakYvt7k19vqba6_Ah1pLJfG-tNoct-zm_G2qcSkzox5r0jgthxc09nunzAFNJaTzx8VWNUCtcwFAhL741dQMDDuK4UiH6wkv0x0OLc4GIirYl401sYw_NOcVEe_C4DVMJ76b_Rs5wnymxqPjzQmcdZQipoDtR-5MgQarFmPdabu88lwDUHg3NJoy/s5184/R0014234.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVakYvt7k19vqba6_Ah1pLJfG-tNoct-zm_G2qcSkzox5r0jgthxc09nunzAFNJaTzx8VWNUCtcwFAhL741dQMDDuK4UiH6wkv0x0OLc4GIirYl401sYw_NOcVEe_C4DVMJ76b_Rs5wnymxqPjzQmcdZQipoDtR-5MgQarFmPdabu88lwDUHg3NJoy/w400-h300/R0014234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0bJH10Bplkhas-75uxax1jzbNwJuzWuePDtozIaaYC5FlqcmRMBnlwGN3jJJsFpNwS9C749ToDxfHpv3vGaCrwumzSfocD6M8v4PhG8TKn_hd21MvmRyCkNgEKmscSvzZkaI2JZ8wlUu5bE_Uq0X_D3KkhPRTSNHp_8oEezfOiku_1ojXFquGCt7/s5184/R0014242.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0bJH10Bplkhas-75uxax1jzbNwJuzWuePDtozIaaYC5FlqcmRMBnlwGN3jJJsFpNwS9C749ToDxfHpv3vGaCrwumzSfocD6M8v4PhG8TKn_hd21MvmRyCkNgEKmscSvzZkaI2JZ8wlUu5bE_Uq0X_D3KkhPRTSNHp_8oEezfOiku_1ojXFquGCt7/w400-h300/R0014242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another butte's top.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIWq-CXvgBJ8wH-ybn8uPvzQZZzkMs5Yh70ydOxQXOfTrBRFgw8G6Toa0R6KHOJzZ4iTGbr2Lh7DjkjvYv3AgSRqKYaqlqCaoXOUNoITkQDdrID0Th0rKQiEuMir2e3Vlltj2v6DxHW4D_N2Alu1quB3V4bDU2y9kodcICaEs0594mzFavDbxmElC/s5184/R0014246.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIWq-CXvgBJ8wH-ybn8uPvzQZZzkMs5Yh70ydOxQXOfTrBRFgw8G6Toa0R6KHOJzZ4iTGbr2Lh7DjkjvYv3AgSRqKYaqlqCaoXOUNoITkQDdrID0Th0rKQiEuMir2e3Vlltj2v6DxHW4D_N2Alu1quB3V4bDU2y9kodcICaEs0594mzFavDbxmElC/w400-h300/R0014246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That butte had a mystery balloon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKIurvwkGoscPFPKdKEFF6FcGNJYfZ54CTarwrJXTZNP5uUd-utvqw633ESQ2FHlahROMrlhzAfhw6BaJOUtsYH6Nts8zuJO2qSzEhka5cZbsskglgcnph5-cu9jLI_1sA3pVA3g9fqZ8kugX9uDJmNWoiuqWE3AIs7s2UHCCAusKFL_C8cGmkuJT/s5184/R0014252.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKIurvwkGoscPFPKdKEFF6FcGNJYfZ54CTarwrJXTZNP5uUd-utvqw633ESQ2FHlahROMrlhzAfhw6BaJOUtsYH6Nts8zuJO2qSzEhka5cZbsskglgcnph5-cu9jLI_1sA3pVA3g9fqZ8kugX9uDJmNWoiuqWE3AIs7s2UHCCAusKFL_C8cGmkuJT/w400-h300/R0014252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really hoped these clouds would not drop rain on me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uzmeT9Fn18oJ8_zuE0ddAOjJyX1flgGDFUhFNP7vOTWafBqin-xafVN6pSdimxnxfi-LY55MUMI-chFaSmHPwhDSVhq8Gh--8yJcMd3qh8Rvn6Y0VLH9xnOqt2vBqluLoRB_xJvl0Bt-76TJWXOqZdt9ZrAhLKK6FsnYEaddyFaywQX2H4B5TIkj/s5184/R0014263.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uzmeT9Fn18oJ8_zuE0ddAOjJyX1flgGDFUhFNP7vOTWafBqin-xafVN6pSdimxnxfi-LY55MUMI-chFaSmHPwhDSVhq8Gh--8yJcMd3qh8Rvn6Y0VLH9xnOqt2vBqluLoRB_xJvl0Bt-76TJWXOqZdt9ZrAhLKK6FsnYEaddyFaywQX2H4B5TIkj/w400-h300/R0014263.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back down.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccoUuDkNIOJuEwx7b7BR6OaooXUDhNxLIN_nl-K3GqgGaIGLqnm0rEL8VJ0lcuCJ9VmPVYdIuA0D91qGwEwqbzgdvLjrKyp3Eu80IgyiFP4QN_aDtZdX2edvqWyGhlA42_A0Ly5pLbZYR8eFpDUNVXakRDyGxwlieRkVIgEMqGGVRKiz6uT6JXDjU/s5184/R0014267.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccoUuDkNIOJuEwx7b7BR6OaooXUDhNxLIN_nl-K3GqgGaIGLqnm0rEL8VJ0lcuCJ9VmPVYdIuA0D91qGwEwqbzgdvLjrKyp3Eu80IgyiFP4QN_aDtZdX2edvqWyGhlA42_A0Ly5pLbZYR8eFpDUNVXakRDyGxwlieRkVIgEMqGGVRKiz6uT6JXDjU/w400-h300/R0014267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeny-tiny flowers way close up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDKablikvildySZSA58Xc0m9mhKrVyieQs_x3YEAyYcJvs_9-msMvx59DuobgDN41PxkHhqU-H0reDwBEjfs8ggcH6FA8ISxBW3P1PQ5Mrsv7DOscLpxW8eRCOQYMjTq7QLzn1wsR1xka1_O7eueYOuFizJFjoQ2reac0BesaCEnH_CRKT2LZeipd/s5184/R0014272.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDKablikvildySZSA58Xc0m9mhKrVyieQs_x3YEAyYcJvs_9-msMvx59DuobgDN41PxkHhqU-H0reDwBEjfs8ggcH6FA8ISxBW3P1PQ5Mrsv7DOscLpxW8eRCOQYMjTq7QLzn1wsR1xka1_O7eueYOuFizJFjoQ2reac0BesaCEnH_CRKT2LZeipd/w400-h300/R0014272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't get the camera to focus on that flower without my finger in the frame.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufAINDdJeDTMoVZyFPdYIY2u51k--7zhsL4FmP8XxkDtNx39iUeTbFnNBYpMdhKaStSTk_DEi5tZLip1lD5iC7fNznsPo-C0RyWRUkCGA8UYSNsUhOz7Y-fCE5aJVCO0WfB_FRuZcAnG6EZnAClOJ7zlBEDl9jbOXb5S2R6TKf3ubX3HNKvnVKnQi/s5184/R0014290.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufAINDdJeDTMoVZyFPdYIY2u51k--7zhsL4FmP8XxkDtNx39iUeTbFnNBYpMdhKaStSTk_DEi5tZLip1lD5iC7fNznsPo-C0RyWRUkCGA8UYSNsUhOz7Y-fCE5aJVCO0WfB_FRuZcAnG6EZnAClOJ7zlBEDl9jbOXb5S2R6TKf3ubX3HNKvnVKnQi/w400-h300/R0014290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the Sawtooths.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEom4_1ykcbtEAh00_89QH8YJ5cya5Du2D7_uHaCOMOyJfLqpQR3JN6dVmMmwNYghU2_YxbjqxcSZM3FRxLJGsDUrfJiNPkkikyZCGxBSGv3OAQq0hT3tOq7UDoIODRVypOBX6wMX9BfrmIFD64RL9Ukj0iDI8lOOAzmWq7NubNkEsp1EKfOggNUo0/s5184/R0014301.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEom4_1ykcbtEAh00_89QH8YJ5cya5Du2D7_uHaCOMOyJfLqpQR3JN6dVmMmwNYghU2_YxbjqxcSZM3FRxLJGsDUrfJiNPkkikyZCGxBSGv3OAQq0hT3tOq7UDoIODRVypOBX6wMX9BfrmIFD64RL9Ukj0iDI8lOOAzmWq7NubNkEsp1EKfOggNUo0/w400-h300/R0014301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0ggGHY1LBz8CVufJKK951Fq2yBKxVeoGElL6CvUDZ8N_a8YAG-BmENv6wcRigSsry2JGNMgiR5vOjk_bqbzVcZmESiA8e88bTk2LWQNxdZCI_PxXyIi16aDFQuBUVdsZolUejM16cREigELAtuQS9sX6qJdC3wApTyjJ59Kibxr4oyjtMwWAE7YI/s5184/R0014309.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0ggGHY1LBz8CVufJKK951Fq2yBKxVeoGElL6CvUDZ8N_a8YAG-BmENv6wcRigSsry2JGNMgiR5vOjk_bqbzVcZmESiA8e88bTk2LWQNxdZCI_PxXyIi16aDFQuBUVdsZolUejM16cREigELAtuQS9sX6qJdC3wApTyjJ59Kibxr4oyjtMwWAE7YI/w400-h300/R0014309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The threat of rain has passed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGp2T2BVi28EosfLUkIsXgjtOxcnGP8OLR3QNZL5S1S18RHUwFG2nz14oMfDkH0Zxv7pA0LqhhBbDdegD_Ff6cjXqx8Z2kuxViZWn7OMittSMPKjqHOrNHcUQpt4ZQ4WUpTA8AWSJCSrQDMaX0JeRTPdMLW2jrUscznizlwiQJ8nGiKUz4AxtKCls/s5184/R0014315.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGp2T2BVi28EosfLUkIsXgjtOxcnGP8OLR3QNZL5S1S18RHUwFG2nz14oMfDkH0Zxv7pA0LqhhBbDdegD_Ff6cjXqx8Z2kuxViZWn7OMittSMPKjqHOrNHcUQpt4ZQ4WUpTA8AWSJCSrQDMaX0JeRTPdMLW2jrUscznizlwiQJ8nGiKUz4AxtKCls/w400-h300/R0014315.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to the bridge!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsg1Vrk8WxrRUvfqvyZebhWEmuEfvEzwGIioNp1iliQcpq7NBVuYzy8LuxDUogpaAinnX7656wjplktTTdITbpxgMyRIt0JrxQMtZCgJ-Rj1AR1cRxw0f5W_qge2SWmow7eoMOySuBFK-5puWvH_alasDBX5bQg3nVJvCv3J42vVw2z4-LHelW2Yk/s5184/R0014320.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsg1Vrk8WxrRUvfqvyZebhWEmuEfvEzwGIioNp1iliQcpq7NBVuYzy8LuxDUogpaAinnX7656wjplktTTdITbpxgMyRIt0JrxQMtZCgJ-Rj1AR1cRxw0f5W_qge2SWmow7eoMOySuBFK-5puWvH_alasDBX5bQg3nVJvCv3J42vVw2z4-LHelW2Yk/w400-h300/R0014320.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now to wait at the parking lot...</td></tr></tbody></table>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-79154235389170324962022-10-05T08:00:00.075-06:002022-10-05T09:21:00.264-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 8<p>The last day of any camping trip is bittersweet for me. I mean, there are some trips where I’m really looking forward to the end because I’m hurting or exhausted, but even then, I often wish I could stay in the woods longer (or on the beach). Still, I had some motivation to get moving. If we got down fast enough, we’d get breakfast at the Big Creek Lodge! But also, if any trees had fallen across the road, then we’d need to figure out a way to get past that. </p><p>The plan was to eat some bars that we had leftover, and then make all haste to the car. The minute we ran into a road obstruction, we’d make hot breakfast at the car and then take care of it. But if we didn’t run into any obstructions… Big Creek breakfast. </p><p>We might have gotten ready faster on this morning than any other morning. And I know our packs were lighter than they’d been the whole trip. At just after 6 in the morning, we were ready to go. </p><p>Ambrose took the lead again. I followed behind, trying not to let him get too far ahead of me. With his pace going downhill and my need to stop to take pictures in the morning’s dim light, that was harder than I'm used to. He kept pulling way ahead and then I’d have to rush – and take less photos – to catch up. </p><p>There was one large log down across the road. Easy enough to step over for us, but it would have been tricky getting a vehicle past it. A motorbike could probably get hauled over it, but not an ATV. </p><p>The morning was cool but not cold. My feet were cold enough not to ache from the abuse I’d put them through over the last few days, but warm enough not to ache with the cold. I continued to marvel at how much stability the Softstar boots gave me on that rocky road. I felt the rocks more, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I’d rather feel rocks under my feet than twist an ankle. </p><p>The road led us quickly back down to the big switchback. I was surprised but pleased that we got there so fast. Then we crossed over water bridged with a railroad tie. It looks like it should be super slick, but it gives good traction. </p><p>From the switchback, we hiked on to the Werdenhoff Mine, where we paused for a brief break. Mostly, I needed to take my jacket off and take a couple pictures. Then we started down the Smith Creek Cutoff Trail. </p><p>Despite my hopes, no one had yet cut out the large log across the trail. It's only like 10 yards from the start of this end of the trail, but alas, we had to go around it again. At least it has a go around that's easy to use. </p><p>The bear grass was still in bloom. When we came up the trail for this trip, it had just rained, and the some of the bear grass blooms were bent over with the force of the drops and the weight of the water. Now, they'd either re-bloomed or successfully straightened up. I saw no more droopy heads. </p><p>Not that I had much time for sightseeing. Ambrose was setting a good pace, and I was inclined to keep up. Every step was one step closer to a potential Big Creek Lodge breakfast. Food prepared fresh just for us, by people we've come to know over the years. Hot food! And COFFEE! </p><p>Not to mention flush toilets and hot showers. Every step made it just a little easier to be leaving the woods. The conveniences of modern life are seductive. And yet, I still want a place with a yard so I can sleep outside whenever I want. I'd love a cabin in the woods, to combine some modern conveniences with proximity to the wild. </p><p>The cutoff trail bought us to a steep series of switchbacks. I like that section of the trail, because you can look down or up and see someone ahead of you or behind you. I like taking pictures there because it so clearly illustrates how steep the trail actually gets. </p><p>We fairly scampered down those switchbacks. It was as if the closer we got to the car, the faster our feet wanted to go. I know that I wanted to get to the car for some snacks. I was thinking in particular about a baggie full of Cheerios that I knew were waiting for me in the front seat. I know that's not the most exciting food, but I felt that it would help settle my tummy, which had been feeling off since eating that unrehydrated rice the day before for lunch. </p><p>The cutoff trail seemed to stretch and compress time. It both took forever and was over before I thought it would be. On the one hand, the switchbacks were eternal, but on the other wait a second, we're at the dilapidated cabin. From there, the trail is pretty much flat. Just a few more logs to step over and then, there she was, right where we left her, the car! </p><p>I must admit to feeling relief to see it unharmed and unmolested. Way out here, the concern wasn't so much vandalism by people as by animals. And vandalism isn’t really the word, but I guess a mouse grabbing up residence where my windshield wiper fluid supply hose lives is a kind of vandalism. That didn't happen this time; no creatures were in the car. They don't like the smell of mint oil any better than I do. </p><p>Taking off the pack for the last time on a trip is such sweet relief. By that point, I’m well resigned to the fact that the trip is over, and I’m ready for some pampering. Although, in this case, I was also eager to see if we were going to need to clear logs off the road before getting to Big Creek. </p><p>We didn’t take too long to get going. Well, it would have been faster, but I urgently needed to dig hole. I thought about waiting, but I didn’t want to take a chance that I’d need to get out and move things off of the road with a poop knocking at my door. Because even if there wasn’t a log across the road, there could still be obstacles in the road that I can move to make our journey more safe. For Ambrose and I, small object clearance is the job of the passenger, so any debris clearance needed would fall to me. </p><p>After my hole digging adventure was complete, we drove off. I barely had time to fasten my seatbelt, though at the speeds we were going it didn’t make all that much difference. We wouldn’t be exceeding the speed at which the car doors automatically lock for a good thirty, forty minutes. I think the trigger speed is 12 miles per hour. We were moving between 3 and 8. I enjoyed the sight of the sun through the tree branches, and tried not to panic on the narrow parts of the road. It’s a little nerve wracking for me to have the car on this road, but Ambrose drives very well. I trust him to get it out and back safely, and to know when to turn back for the sake of safety. </p><p>Slowly, laboriously, but safely, we made our way along Smith Creek Road. Not long after we got started, we heard the roar of an approaching vehicle. Ambrose nudged our Crosstrek as far to the side of the road as he felt he safely could, but there wasn’t much room. Luckily, the ATV saw us and gunned into reverse. Ambrose brought us forward and we saw the Big Creek Ranger pulled up high on the embankment. I would have been nervous as heck to be in that vehicle, leaning at unnatural angles. We drove past with a wave, continuing the careful progress. </p><p>The first time we drove out, it took about 60 minutes each way. Ambrose knocked that time down a little bit when he drove us out for the backpacking trip, and on the way back, he knocked it down a bit more. He was getting used to the rhythm of the road, figuring out where he could push things a little bit harder than he had the first time. Exploring the limits presented to him by this particular combination of vehicle and terrain. </p><p>He pulled in and parked at the Big Creek Trailhead, where the pit toilet was just being vacated. Perfect timing! I waited in the car, paying a little attention to the large numbers of vehicles, people, and tents populating both sides of the parking lot. This was a heck of a lot of activity for way out here. And the group on the side of the pit toilet appeared to be government affiliated. </p><p>Ambrose emerged and finished driving us over to the lodge. We parked there, figuring to claim a campsite after breakfast. Then we walked in together. I made a beeline for the restroom, leaving Ambrose to make greetings after claiming our seats. </p><p>We ate a delightful breakfast. We took showers. Then we got the tent set up, campsite claimed and spent time hanging out. We also had lunch at the lodge, a delightful leftover lasagna from the night before. Plus we had dinner reservations for that night. </p><p>This particular day, the planned last day of our trip, was the anniversary of the day Ambrose and I first met. It’s the date we celebrate in our relationship, more so than the marriage anniversary. Our friends at the Big Creek Lodge knew about this, and they made a cake to help us celebrate. That cake is a decadent delight, and I could have eaten way more than the one piece that I ate. Sometimes, there’s music in the evening at Big Creek, but not on this night. I would have loved to have participated in some music making, or even listening, but it was also fun to talk music a bit with the innkeepers. </p><p>Ambrose and I went to bed fairly early. I’d pitched our backpacking tent, but used our car camping sleeping pads, which are foam instead of insulated inflatables. I used those mostly out of laziness. I didn’t want to unpack either my pack or Ambrose’s, and, quite frankly, our inflatable pads stunk. The foam ones were much cleaner, just like we now were. It was a great way to end a camping trip, with full bellies and warm hearts. </p><p>We drove home the next morning, after one last Big Creek breakfast. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FOYfLTItYIi6WA6gQziM-prdMyVHyNaqcOambGoOqmlkhxdtOp5N26tAT5d2mqz5zJRajojy7wZnzaM_PIFlUZjCFBQMOI423ekdOXwR-9-n_P8b3KEvB97tV1RCt5bhDcFGKUCIRgPsmR1BCyvf1EgCDbmPBVHHQOXAR6xwLueZGkmxo7_EE2tf/s5184/R0014100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FOYfLTItYIi6WA6gQziM-prdMyVHyNaqcOambGoOqmlkhxdtOp5N26tAT5d2mqz5zJRajojy7wZnzaM_PIFlUZjCFBQMOI423ekdOXwR-9-n_P8b3KEvB97tV1RCt5bhDcFGKUCIRgPsmR1BCyvf1EgCDbmPBVHHQOXAR6xwLueZGkmxo7_EE2tf/w400-h300/R0014100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last selfie - Ambrose nailed it, but I needed to be standing on something.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT7Ei3k37Hrg0Ys1Fa9GPnkwAyfN7vaM1rnKh98FjpVGz20_yVomeDhnQMMlR11U_lCWxzzEChg5soOJHUNqP952IKbQ_cBEIXm1d5-HlL2ZtKwl2sDmOd2qGeHaysODFUMK7j9uUih8Ointn5dUVMA-Do21oNw7PT847ftnXRKKf2IG8lCmunvfg/s5184/R0014103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT7Ei3k37Hrg0Ys1Fa9GPnkwAyfN7vaM1rnKh98FjpVGz20_yVomeDhnQMMlR11U_lCWxzzEChg5soOJHUNqP952IKbQ_cBEIXm1d5-HlL2ZtKwl2sDmOd2qGeHaysODFUMK7j9uUih8Ointn5dUVMA-Do21oNw7PT847ftnXRKKf2IG8lCmunvfg/w400-h300/R0014103.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, someone came through while we were out and cut this one.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7FMosUd8yCYEbQ6zI5AEHRDmWdR_fKlC1W9vUXzwJF6jqYY-2LurD0-LkLFy60D5HROs7Sju_etrbx7SgZ-KYl5cAG-o2DrfXUznoPt9FltdgmcViRmOWEv0pT6uyhWhgE3H1XYA6UC4LCTsul9F3IJJqzwF0a0TkDLtvNRC2edfg46HybLNJKOr/s5184/R0014107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7FMosUd8yCYEbQ6zI5AEHRDmWdR_fKlC1W9vUXzwJF6jqYY-2LurD0-LkLFy60D5HROs7Sju_etrbx7SgZ-KYl5cAG-o2DrfXUznoPt9FltdgmcViRmOWEv0pT6uyhWhgE3H1XYA6UC4LCTsul9F3IJJqzwF0a0TkDLtvNRC2edfg46HybLNJKOr/w400-h300/R0014107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the big switchback.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb7A-FVt7RjGjTA5alEIBB2gV_MJqt4yad39ET5AR956gM7kCErWX4cpI7pWbg4zDlvQJLXW-2dNCYwc5IPc-Y-9VS3TGr85h73Ma5ZrUQsnfHHOJgFrQr43Oi6nJPV9wFnUM6Dg10MgnZbYGJbfq_wyanFUwFeCr7RYjmCDHKyxwbBNbiXzT9YEa/s5184/R0014111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb7A-FVt7RjGjTA5alEIBB2gV_MJqt4yad39ET5AR956gM7kCErWX4cpI7pWbg4zDlvQJLXW-2dNCYwc5IPc-Y-9VS3TGr85h73Ma5ZrUQsnfHHOJgFrQr43Oi6nJPV9wFnUM6Dg10MgnZbYGJbfq_wyanFUwFeCr7RYjmCDHKyxwbBNbiXzT9YEa/w400-h300/R0014111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the rail tie bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDy3qHKdyBhSo5-pGiQZMPMCBixWHj_VLlwR6v_L_sV_vc6jwosMs2hTDBa0PqSi4yddxZ9bYy9dnVlQS4b0ozjSOhzs1xKge0jTLUjcheNtNOHtWZblIvad_JRFbfr7eng2lZFMptd8dojZ5xpo4KQRuTgWv4-vnX8ZYpae7jMuZ10XBkBsCoYgw/s5184/R0014115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDy3qHKdyBhSo5-pGiQZMPMCBixWHj_VLlwR6v_L_sV_vc6jwosMs2hTDBa0PqSi4yddxZ9bYy9dnVlQS4b0ozjSOhzs1xKge0jTLUjcheNtNOHtWZblIvad_JRFbfr7eng2lZFMptd8dojZ5xpo4KQRuTgWv4-vnX8ZYpae7jMuZ10XBkBsCoYgw/w400-h300/R0014115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it to the Werdenhoff Mine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwm0XAxSD-gJy65Nvv0LUS8E8OhbI_VixvXP926n6xcnv_7EPY72Nw7cld8eS8xRlxwl-bEjBP_JzIYfawnAy5SFlOWtZ-bBjc20t2BU3-R54-BFmUgpalAoucyjvWTmiV1UELB3JOqFZvgofqkG9b3wt_AcyYcX8aVPNgfFeDO-BsWsOVIxRC4nR/s5184/R0014117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwm0XAxSD-gJy65Nvv0LUS8E8OhbI_VixvXP926n6xcnv_7EPY72Nw7cld8eS8xRlxwl-bEjBP_JzIYfawnAy5SFlOWtZ-bBjc20t2BU3-R54-BFmUgpalAoucyjvWTmiV1UELB3JOqFZvgofqkG9b3wt_AcyYcX8aVPNgfFeDO-BsWsOVIxRC4nR/w400-h300/R0014117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log across the trail and blooming bear grass.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5IUUyiunGlinp9H2Ka6IRHfODUonLzeU9lFAvY3XUIMUwgOFdPvuJ8X9q1h7B3xxPOyUyhxsFtBiUjr7uV42m9DDuYHRGQl4w6K-m5ydAlYVzU7emIbG5O4QgHDFSa3Q04Vi0j7-38CzrBwo1xCN7c6m2PA7T8YqkBJp-BAzheiIxbeRGoRE5sFo/s5184/R0014121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5IUUyiunGlinp9H2Ka6IRHfODUonLzeU9lFAvY3XUIMUwgOFdPvuJ8X9q1h7B3xxPOyUyhxsFtBiUjr7uV42m9DDuYHRGQl4w6K-m5ydAlYVzU7emIbG5O4QgHDFSa3Q04Vi0j7-38CzrBwo1xCN7c6m2PA7T8YqkBJp-BAzheiIxbeRGoRE5sFo/w400-h300/R0014121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last mountain view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7iock8n474gVp4vXAoe3CKHb6AS-_ufeaJjw9-swGtf5gdFMB1QJdLt_zzxj64Rbij64WlKf5jsDeYHcBEBRB6SMkiyK1cBlWb_XkMHLgPGIC7ADIsuLHT5lCVuYyu2j4NmromLLpXQmKH-buu4XPCvowGWqcE9LwL8VYeq61N1XZ6TjW4sIXl6l/s5184/R0014122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7iock8n474gVp4vXAoe3CKHb6AS-_ufeaJjw9-swGtf5gdFMB1QJdLt_zzxj64Rbij64WlKf5jsDeYHcBEBRB6SMkiyK1cBlWb_XkMHLgPGIC7ADIsuLHT5lCVuYyu2j4NmromLLpXQmKH-buu4XPCvowGWqcE9LwL8VYeq61N1XZ6TjW4sIXl6l/w400-h300/R0014122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting down to the switchbacks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT59WzDfTbA-b2hJpQI91dPFqbkzeuCUzn-xrQsrk965JUa_jTSRB8VddnvXu6KcikQonw1h0vPnccP-JpGqmH1rhnqfY_qHFIALZrMamZLHqdZegmmWxnlLCeTeQ2d8Vy1zJf3kZKcg3RL5wI68y_QUiU1J9RtZgawN6iI5vab05Oz5njDQacDIp/s5184/R0014127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT59WzDfTbA-b2hJpQI91dPFqbkzeuCUzn-xrQsrk965JUa_jTSRB8VddnvXu6KcikQonw1h0vPnccP-JpGqmH1rhnqfY_qHFIALZrMamZLHqdZegmmWxnlLCeTeQ2d8Vy1zJf3kZKcg3RL5wI68y_QUiU1J9RtZgawN6iI5vab05Oz5njDQacDIp/w400-h300/R0014127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly to the car!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTUzCagRKo3kL2wKYyVT6jQlroav0pR2Qrg_SE071uEv30S_Phbzw1fD80JobrBnyHoxEJQRtpvLbrYyKz2JpeB0UzEFuTiFcxEJu-rY5eZKIjziaDfMQjuPI5DaZ2MGMyGJr-qw16bPkDH-H3JwTVzUcQFuqLNLoL0Dog8jpRjPaIZhTvzrtQq-4/s5184/R0014128.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTUzCagRKo3kL2wKYyVT6jQlroav0pR2Qrg_SE071uEv30S_Phbzw1fD80JobrBnyHoxEJQRtpvLbrYyKz2JpeB0UzEFuTiFcxEJu-rY5eZKIjziaDfMQjuPI5DaZ2MGMyGJr-qw16bPkDH-H3JwTVzUcQFuqLNLoL0Dog8jpRjPaIZhTvzrtQq-4/w400-h300/R0014128.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this old dilapidated cabin.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlW3-x345aJZfV_qo-BOjup2udb9KPf5y9UjXDeZnQwA_cScwvp2cWx_yhHNtg76TiWxz1hfKF1ZLl44ty8g6eeKmsNA7UWn3UlQXYYG4cH_ZcEQOk9i_ot7JiaRC2dCNudyx9Pn66XJKORqPPob29Vrh_kbn7W1sCi92ahl0-irkjQR7Meq8AzIg/s5184/R0014132.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlW3-x345aJZfV_qo-BOjup2udb9KPf5y9UjXDeZnQwA_cScwvp2cWx_yhHNtg76TiWxz1hfKF1ZLl44ty8g6eeKmsNA7UWn3UlQXYYG4cH_ZcEQOk9i_ot7JiaRC2dCNudyx9Pn66XJKORqPPob29Vrh_kbn7W1sCi92ahl0-irkjQR7Meq8AzIg/w400-h300/R0014132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final stretch!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lcAcq9HOKrIf0wxUpwqYXl4Gd2xwmbasZeUWVwgWG8CrW1EWLniG-rBi_00wS2ccUh0cC1okX3dQEQh7c36z8nFDASvnpCklj87FWUmSOzmoKG0Jm3bfnzgcoOfLKCFOHHALKuSqPNhgafmaVLYthPmUs0MH2DUYwa-uL1_tXyqY1Bj-IkZBE0B_/s5184/R0014133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lcAcq9HOKrIf0wxUpwqYXl4Gd2xwmbasZeUWVwgWG8CrW1EWLniG-rBi_00wS2ccUh0cC1okX3dQEQh7c36z8nFDASvnpCklj87FWUmSOzmoKG0Jm3bfnzgcoOfLKCFOHHALKuSqPNhgafmaVLYthPmUs0MH2DUYwa-uL1_tXyqY1Bj-IkZBE0B_/w400-h300/R0014133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sign selfie. A signfie, if you will.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc4mGQMr0TksNp4cgc0wfKnI-usteU7zdMpVITbAWd13SMI8BUdtxTE7kKtCLlgdtuOcGgKOizs6Uv2DWQScHAbSiIUB4ywk2iWiKu1XCZTl-qvnGYo64JLYCs2U_kHYwbc4yOMPO25-l5YxHzCYCR728ACEsVZsMHR1OQs2fbRYd0tPKJhzqNFup/s5184/R0014134.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc4mGQMr0TksNp4cgc0wfKnI-usteU7zdMpVITbAWd13SMI8BUdtxTE7kKtCLlgdtuOcGgKOizs6Uv2DWQScHAbSiIUB4ywk2iWiKu1XCZTl-qvnGYo64JLYCs2U_kHYwbc4yOMPO25-l5YxHzCYCR728ACEsVZsMHR1OQs2fbRYd0tPKJhzqNFup/w400-h300/R0014134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYmvnWy8HRVSsyQ70mHJBueGw16tlJAOuGIqNtc_3JzQTPXnsgA7GKZU0O78QfUC-77MC3hHwlRXd9Pmyp4SU1YI-Y2Y81F5Dxh6CtOahpjO95Jz-BvX7Dfqpa_stf7LoNUkfpvCYF-8isYeQj2mAwGCMkAVycfyc8idCVynvKU8plFAEzc2eKblY/s5184/R0014136.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYmvnWy8HRVSsyQ70mHJBueGw16tlJAOuGIqNtc_3JzQTPXnsgA7GKZU0O78QfUC-77MC3hHwlRXd9Pmyp4SU1YI-Y2Y81F5Dxh6CtOahpjO95Jz-BvX7Dfqpa_stf7LoNUkfpvCYF-8isYeQj2mAwGCMkAVycfyc8idCVynvKU8plFAEzc2eKblY/w400-h300/R0014136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, the Big Creek Lodge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfMQCn2mpsJql_Zi57K2enkiQmyy8hZgWS7lEYf3rG6ncizIdvZ_COpuHoIcNE4j6i75RLOyzcHiNW6bW7IywHI3V0AtmKhYQNliutaz0tZrzuDC916ctNsRkn_NgPm7hSdYpE2BN6EnpdHodb-YjIyapd144vsRzTEHe-vNhK5IAxSn7e8JqrYAN/s4624/20220722_093635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfMQCn2mpsJql_Zi57K2enkiQmyy8hZgWS7lEYf3rG6ncizIdvZ_COpuHoIcNE4j6i75RLOyzcHiNW6bW7IywHI3V0AtmKhYQNliutaz0tZrzuDC916ctNsRkn_NgPm7hSdYpE2BN6EnpdHodb-YjIyapd144vsRzTEHe-vNhK5IAxSn7e8JqrYAN/w400-h300/20220722_093635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falling from that tree crossing over Hand Creek left an impressive bruise two days later.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmfMwklQGY9ppPq2NTJxDH1jHiTN77AlMwetrlL5PsH58ZJBEZ1IX07PEwng1_oX_wNVn7Pw9y5pX_W7GSUbKjYVjC-vBnpNooYP2sEb5W-dEWMruvy1RuCoE2SurpUGcH9UAoOwpoNXx8AE3lohiZsljgY4_K9OI7CZPkvJYIKIL-ZHfM29dXj28/s4624/20220722_110345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmfMwklQGY9ppPq2NTJxDH1jHiTN77AlMwetrlL5PsH58ZJBEZ1IX07PEwng1_oX_wNVn7Pw9y5pX_W7GSUbKjYVjC-vBnpNooYP2sEb5W-dEWMruvy1RuCoE2SurpUGcH9UAoOwpoNXx8AE3lohiZsljgY4_K9OI7CZPkvJYIKIL-ZHfM29dXj28/w400-h300/20220722_110345.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got the tent all nice and pitched.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXxaryanBBr4WTEy9AUWGCaYsP2C79hSYfQO9_BE1ut7IPoi1aEaS2LuyHJWCR-N67HdV_eUO8V__nSeXx_R88zH430aX7FBCWSIWlg8Msl2lw5Xzn4CoZXqJLvkJhpr-LFD6M01gCGOqrnD5xtMF1VfkxkYn8O-Z89zJs0P5ugemTIuMhPl1G5iQ/s4624/20220722_110355.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXxaryanBBr4WTEy9AUWGCaYsP2C79hSYfQO9_BE1ut7IPoi1aEaS2LuyHJWCR-N67HdV_eUO8V__nSeXx_R88zH430aX7FBCWSIWlg8Msl2lw5Xzn4CoZXqJLvkJhpr-LFD6M01gCGOqrnD5xtMF1VfkxkYn8O-Z89zJs0P5ugemTIuMhPl1G5iQ/w400-h300/20220722_110355.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a pretty nice pitch if I do say so myself.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxkSaYOSmLClXSE_yfQGiJ_PcYjE5vSZBk8R521PPKuLQoGTxENCDj8CDltBXpSu2ey2Oo4uyjwTH8D7awIK-kl2qOXIWdnv6NmHFhQxXlzuH3v0_M1TPQIzXVornfMehxbavKg08NKP2-KYD6jaOwbAz56o2jrOy0LeQDzCLveIYVsbpBzo95caS/s5184/R0014138.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxkSaYOSmLClXSE_yfQGiJ_PcYjE5vSZBk8R521PPKuLQoGTxENCDj8CDltBXpSu2ey2Oo4uyjwTH8D7awIK-kl2qOXIWdnv6NmHFhQxXlzuH3v0_M1TPQIzXVornfMehxbavKg08NKP2-KYD6jaOwbAz56o2jrOy0LeQDzCLveIYVsbpBzo95caS/w400-h300/R0014138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It tasted even better than it looks!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br />JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-35489658413072788932022-09-28T08:00:00.122-06:002022-09-28T08:00:00.219-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 7<p>The alarm, of course, went off at 5:30, but Ambrose decided we could sleep in a little bit. Not a full hour, but just another 10 minutes or so. It was once again warm this morning, so we didn’t need to put on our down jackets to start hiking. I mean, I could have. It wasn’t super warm, just not super cold. </p><p>I wasn’t entirely sure that the trail continued beyond where the road crossed the water, but Ambrose was. He’d checked it out the day before on one of his water fetching trips. While I initially found that water spot, I only confirmed water because I didn’t want Ambrose to have to walk back down to where we crossed Coin Creek. </p><p>I expected the trail to be in pretty good shape, considering it was technically a road. And it was. We saw a few more structures as we hiked out, including one building that appeared to have a driveway, though it was blocked off by logs. </p><p>There was not a lot of deadfall on the old road, but it was clear that vehicles were no longer coming back here. Plants were beginning to encroach on the road, at times narrowing the clear path to the width of a trail. </p><p>Ambrose and I have heard that folks want to re-open the Golden Hand Mine. I’m not sure how they’d possibly manage to get vehicles back there. And if they had to use mules to haul rock out of the wilderness, a lot of work would need to be done first. </p><p>We had about 1800 feet of elevation to gain before we hit our high point, and, based on past experience, I thought we’d be resting more. </p><p>Nope. </p><p>Ambrose was like a machine. He just kept walking up the road, no stopping until break. None of those semi-breaks where he would stop forward movement for a breather, to wipe his face or take a drink. He just kept going forward. I’ve never been so simultaneously proud and annoyed. </p><p>This area had burned a bit some years back. While we started out in green forest, the road brought us to a more desolate view. I think desolate might be the wrong word here; while there were many dead trees still standing, stretching out in my view farther than I could clearly discern, there was also life. Shrubs and flowers and bear grass. Young evergreens and mosses and mushrooms. And if the trees weren’t dead, I wouldn’t get such an expansive view. </p><p>The road also had some twists and turns that brought us back and forth between burned and non-burned areas. It switchbacked a few times. Even though my feet were aching, I was also planning on how to get Ambrose to come with me to the top of Pueblo. I figured he’d be easier to persuade for this side trip because it was a shorter climb. And we hadn’t been hiking for very long yet. </p><p>In fact, we only took one break on that part of the road. We had already reached Pueblo Summit when it was time for the second break. Pueblo Summit is the highest point where the road goes. We knew we were getting close, because there was a big metal gate across the road. That’s to keep cars and ATVs from (mostly ATVs up here) from driving into the wilderness area. After the gate, there was also a sign. We dropped packs and I went off to find a place to dig a hole. </p><p>I found a pretty nice campsite up there. People clearly do come up and use the area. There was a lot of cut wood, including chunks just spread out in the grass for seemingly no reason. I found a place to dig and enjoyed my bathroom view. Then I went back to make sure Ambrose would accompany me up to the peak. </p><p>To his credit, he didn’t take much persuasion. I think the whole experience of going up to the Sheepeater Lookout when he was exhausted really shifted his perspective. Plus, after we left Pueblo Summit, we only had a couple of miles to hike and it would literally all be downhill (and I don’t use the word “literally” lightly). </p><p>We didn’t know if there was a formal trail up to the peak or not, but there was a side road that started off in the right direction. I led the way along it, but before too long Ambrose warned me that we were going downhill and were about to walk past our perpendicular to the peak. I was fine with turning off the road, so I did just that. Then I let Ambrose take the lead, because he had the GPS in his hands. I wanted to climb a peak, not get lost!</p><p>We only had about 300 feet of elevation to ascend, but in less than half a mile, that’s a pretty steep hike. Still, Ambrose kept up his pace, pausing only to find the best routes and make sure we were still on the right heading. So here we are, not on any trail, taking a weird route up to the peak, and all of the sudden we see the remains of structures. Small structures, but clear evidence of the hand of man. It may have been an old mine entrance, or just a collapsed cabin. It was kind of hard to tell at this point. Though the collection of boards in a pit seemed to lean toward mine. </p><p>That turned out to be about the halfway point. After a bit more hiking through gently wooded terrain, with mostly grass underfoot, I spotted the peak! I knew it was the peak because I could see the benchmark sticking out of the ground, highlighted against the background of the sky. I quickened my steps, while Ambrose continued at his steady pace. He couldn’t see the benchmark, but there was no mistaking the view once we reached the top. </p><p>This peak is not in the wilderness. It is just outside the boundary. The approach to Pueblo is relatively gentle, wooded, and grassy. This ends at the peak in a sheer drop-off that provides the most incredible panoramic view of the wilderness. As if it were built specifically to showcase the spread of wild lands it overlooks. </p><p>My heart filled at the sight. My heart fills just to remember it. </p><p>Ambrose sat on a convenient, couch-like log and messaged his family in between gazing around. I stood near the edge and drank in the scenery. I could see where we had hiked the day before, through the old Hand Camp that is now a tangle of fallen trees. I could see for what felt like miles and miles and I could have stayed there a long time. </p><p>But we had left our packs down by the trailhead, so we couldn’t linger too long. Critters would be getting bolder about exploring our gear every moment we were away. Rather than retracing our steps, we took the most direct route back down to our packs. Ambrose continued to lead the way, consulting the GPS from time to time as he judged which path would be easiest to take. </p><p>I think the hardest part of the descent was walking on the slippery grass. It was tall enough to create a slick layer between my boots and the ground. But only if I stepped on it. I was mostly able to avoid the grass, but sometimes it was unavoidable. Before too long, we made it back to our packs. The first clue we were getting close was the collection of logs cut into small chunks buried in the grass. I’m still not sure why there were so many pieces of wood lying about, but someone must have been doing it. </p><p>There was a permit box at the trailhead, and I took a look inside. One blank permit was inside, and one filled out. I took a look, figuring it would be pretty recently dated. Nope. Not even close to recent. </p><p>2001. </p><p>Yeah, it was probably a misprint. That’s what the ranger said when I showed it to him later. But it was still funny to see such an old date out there. I was already giggling about teasing the ranger about not having checked this box in over two decades. I took a picture, but left the permit. </p><p>Ambrose’s hair was blowing in his face. It had, in fact, been blowing in his face for a while. Because his buff had fallen off – the second one that the Frank has claimed from him. We weren’t sure when it had fallen off, but Ambrose wasn’t interested in looking for it. I kind of wanted to; I checked the camera to see if I could determine when it had fallen off, but all I got was that it was sometime between just before we left the wilderness and when we noticed it missing. It could have been anywhere up Pueblo, though now I wished I’d gone back down our trail in the wilderness. It might have been lying on the ground just around the next bend… </p><p>Then we headed down the road. It wasn’t even lunch time yet, and we were getting pretty close to our destination. Our plan was to spend the last night at the same place where we spent the first: the Jeep Camp. That would leave us very close to the car for the hike out the next day, but also allow us to spend one last night out in the woods. Not the wilderness, since we’d just left that behind, but the woods where few venture. </p><p>There were clearly tire tracks on some sections of the road, but we neither heard nor saw any motors. The road sloped down at a pretty steep grade, leading us on a rough, rocky, descent. Still, there was never a question of losing the road, so it was pretty easy. Especially compared to the prior day’s “trail.” I liked the views that I was able to glimpse through the trees, and there was one switchback that offered a particularly breathtaking vista. But I didn’t linger too long. Ambrose was on a mission to get to the camp. </p><p>His pace still hadn’t slowed. He was hiking steadily, and faster than me. But I wasn’t too surprised by that; he’s always been fast on the downhill, and I have to be in rare form to keep up when he’s in his rhythm. As we got closer to the Jeep Camp, I started looking around on either side of the road, wondering if there might be an even better campsite somewhere up here. We crossed a stream that flowed over the road, and then it was just one more turn until the trailhead was just visible ahead. Ambrose and I took pictures of each other at that point, that we’d just finished our loop. </p><p>Then I turned off to explore an area north of the trailhead, while Ambrose went to confirm Jeep Camp was available. I found what could work, maybe, as a campsite, but it seemed like mostly a good place for stock. There were even piles of bags that looked like some kind of feed. While they may have been allowed to store things there, I rather doubted that the Forest Service would be happy to learn that some of the bags were uncovered and torn open. In the end, the ground there was too damp and lumpy to consider. Ambrose came up to see what I’d found, but we agreed to camp at Jeep Camp again. It’s just the best spot up there, though it’s good to know there are alternatives in the unlikely even that someone else was occupying Jeep Camp some time. </p><p>As we walked on the rocky road over to Jeep Camp, I was looking at the rocks. I was still marveling at the way my new boots let my feet conform to the road surface, giving me so much more stability despite the road surface. And then I spotted something on the road was that not a rock or a stick. Not dirt, not water, no this was a manmade object. I bent down and picked it up. It was a tiny knife in a plastic sheath. I picked it up and brought it to camp, where I proceeded to give it to Ambrose.</p><p>Then we settled in at Jeep Camp. I wanted to eat lunch before taking care of the tent. I watched with hungry eyes as Ambrose poured our fancy sushi-grade tuna pack into the freeze dried, rice based meal. And I almost told him not to do it, because I know that sometimes mixing things in with the freeze dried meals can interfere with their reconstitution. But I figured he knew what he was doing, and said nothing, gratefully accepting the empty tuna packet so that I could scrape up any remaining scraps into my mouth. </p><p>Fifteen minutes later, it was clear a mistake had been made. While Ambrose’s Pad Thai from the night before had not suffered from having the tuna added first, the coconut oil that the tuna was packed in proved less friendly to the rice. Pretty much, the rice absorbed no water. It remained crunchy, and there was a ton of water in the bag. Leaving it longer did not help. The rice had absorbed oil and had no more interest in absorbing water. </p><p>And yet. </p><p>We were so hungry, we ate it all anyway. I regretted it not too long after as my stomach started to protest the rice nodules I’d subjected it to. That one hurt for quite a while. Next time, I am NOT keeping my mouth shut on that advice. Still, the food was filling. I mean, it was actually delicious, and I look forward to eating it again some time, with the rice fully reconstituted. Maybe we’ll add the tuna, but only AFTER the rice is done rehydrating. </p><p>After that, I got the tent set up. Then there was nothing left to do but appreciate the beauty of the woods in the time we had left. Ambrose, in his explorations, had found that a tree was down across the road just south of the Jeep Camp. If anyone actually came up this direction, we’d hear them sawing through the log well before they came into view. Though, in truth, absolutely no one drove up. We had the afternoon to ourselves, to talk, and to listen, both to each other and to the woods around us. It is commonly accepted that only humans have sentience, though some may also extend that to animals. I believe that we cannot rule out the possibility of another kind of sentience or consciousness existing in plants, and even rocks. And I believe being in the woods does something for me that even a walk in a beautiful park in the city simply cannot. </p><p>We could have planned on sleeping in the next morning, but we had a different plan. To wit, get up at the regular time and hustle our butts down to the car so we could drive to Big Creek and have breakfast at the lodge. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-onfcL61-h2dB0f2CJ6gRdptBmIlXkflUd2ZvFM1B8MxnyxK8Oiz5gtfKOqFsQ0QUqAqtYgMUNZUtcECOc63L9afSCzK6m38XfsuDA5l7fgJR1lZf7IuRGqi_owA97409EIEzlPcGU5JRwm4BEyoW9Qr9JA7ps1zVrHLc6u-hGBfY4ZPrgM8Y4zlA/s5184/R0013956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-onfcL61-h2dB0f2CJ6gRdptBmIlXkflUd2ZvFM1B8MxnyxK8Oiz5gtfKOqFsQ0QUqAqtYgMUNZUtcECOc63L9afSCzK6m38XfsuDA5l7fgJR1lZf7IuRGqi_owA97409EIEzlPcGU5JRwm4BEyoW9Qr9JA7ps1zVrHLc6u-hGBfY4ZPrgM8Y4zlA/w400-h300/R0013956.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, I caught a great smile from Ambrose, but my own face went kind of funky. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3q3PjsKXGRtBtNayrtb7I5T9yTFrl1NVZD9Fg4rn_aft1eNpd5oa4Qd_eiWRN-UFDrz5d_wJpGHs20cZO1iuotLmJZuvlwmZ2axg5zmBFzvizJa4j11-lP-73BGN0mECjL2fJJdsgALLFsV4wyNXUoGnMqLGTq2pNRwgSanr7p1jWXerv_sBoJtj/s5184/R0013957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3q3PjsKXGRtBtNayrtb7I5T9yTFrl1NVZD9Fg4rn_aft1eNpd5oa4Qd_eiWRN-UFDrz5d_wJpGHs20cZO1iuotLmJZuvlwmZ2axg5zmBFzvizJa4j11-lP-73BGN0mECjL2fJJdsgALLFsV4wyNXUoGnMqLGTq2pNRwgSanr7p1jWXerv_sBoJtj/w400-h300/R0013957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye bye!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi1sKwbQy0tyij8C5MSXKRqC2tUkyOWNSddjAoHJX9xDFWygVa5vr6cKAVvN4d2XLKqjvMGbS8JNEcDTY4NLDVptFrH4mWNMfYs7Qsh2CbgZldSW25zzCTZstsOQ91h46mU8adKzaQpMSmLOCqJlIyrNs_e21YLDjbCs3NNqIINDLV8lFFu7kui32/s5184/R0013958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi1sKwbQy0tyij8C5MSXKRqC2tUkyOWNSddjAoHJX9xDFWygVa5vr6cKAVvN4d2XLKqjvMGbS8JNEcDTY4NLDVptFrH4mWNMfYs7Qsh2CbgZldSW25zzCTZstsOQ91h46mU8adKzaQpMSmLOCqJlIyrNs_e21YLDjbCs3NNqIINDLV8lFFu7kui32/w400-h300/R0013958.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old mine entrance, now collapsed for safety.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdLi8BOgsWwaCie7CoFBoc6IvpUtEa4GScvOVKz8uL8ZDEOy5pmcZ8ZFcIkJ68_TwNYIBn-o6Tc4kMnktwB5pAS6sX3YZFZ7KbsCUBkvMEchwvNX2jk_07g8e3KZxdKVyc8JnTpYoZZ4pPCuOgdl1E0GGsgpXDPj-qWvT3kTLvqua1eWBGHr5vCUh/s5184/R0013959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdLi8BOgsWwaCie7CoFBoc6IvpUtEa4GScvOVKz8uL8ZDEOy5pmcZ8ZFcIkJ68_TwNYIBn-o6Tc4kMnktwB5pAS6sX3YZFZ7KbsCUBkvMEchwvNX2jk_07g8e3KZxdKVyc8JnTpYoZZ4pPCuOgdl1E0GGsgpXDPj-qWvT3kTLvqua1eWBGHr5vCUh/w400-h300/R0013959.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose navigating our first stream crossing of the morning. Oh, this IS the road, by the way.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UT2zygDONsqCl9_BBXLu_2hO-fkkn6temxV1eNaWyl0_cvro4pZnGcNrhOQniUw06d1plW8wA4boDcRWhyze3U108SHVl6ypwJOknklnUm1NWJxTyHmFCYTBuH8DZEQnnIPwzV1UXNS04AJWgFacRMNfZVrbppKYpKI-N70vgQm6ZeWU8BZS5R3Q/s5184/R0013964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UT2zygDONsqCl9_BBXLu_2hO-fkkn6temxV1eNaWyl0_cvro4pZnGcNrhOQniUw06d1plW8wA4boDcRWhyze3U108SHVl6ypwJOknklnUm1NWJxTyHmFCYTBuH8DZEQnnIPwzV1UXNS04AJWgFacRMNfZVrbppKYpKI-N70vgQm6ZeWU8BZS5R3Q/w400-h300/R0013964.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the hike was on unmaintained road. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXs6ZDolEOU4utTloejFG-_c7tPH-1z_U3XGvvYa_BgYhNSuX6bdJyh1CnezrCs4M4bmBOHTV_2J_UB7k49flkm_Wcm_eiUCJv2yK16ZZyOPJU3LcrlMZ8wIT14oClgn_Db678A9D3cq1LUWwUl6aUV9N3uq0Mm6B1WLFjScDDGl6f00oMwOyzXUN/s5184/R0013965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXs6ZDolEOU4utTloejFG-_c7tPH-1z_U3XGvvYa_BgYhNSuX6bdJyh1CnezrCs4M4bmBOHTV_2J_UB7k49flkm_Wcm_eiUCJv2yK16ZZyOPJU3LcrlMZ8wIT14oClgn_Db678A9D3cq1LUWwUl6aUV9N3uq0Mm6B1WLFjScDDGl6f00oMwOyzXUN/w400-h300/R0013965.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last glimpse down to where we hiked up the day before.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOV4thgejdpWZEjVVb1usALu4WGkYA9JHC_j9OecXRiF0DAFN5D26tdXTg6PvrVZNsjMqogo3mFIS8MLClxDeDh4xIssWT4b2uKUDUB3apNfQFXUw9mG1iwjLZ8Wo2qlumoNuTYbDjxv8TR0-1oPqExgbSJFAjjoVzjt5UOj7VSs_x61AHLkwOoIX/s5184/R0013968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOV4thgejdpWZEjVVb1usALu4WGkYA9JHC_j9OecXRiF0DAFN5D26tdXTg6PvrVZNsjMqogo3mFIS8MLClxDeDh4xIssWT4b2uKUDUB3apNfQFXUw9mG1iwjLZ8Wo2qlumoNuTYbDjxv8TR0-1oPqExgbSJFAjjoVzjt5UOj7VSs_x61AHLkwOoIX/w400-h300/R0013968.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came across several downed trees, but most were like this, easily navigable.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc-Q8eH3csgCN_8cf9DhFvJYc990XrbJqVTlzXqsMuxey1o0B0pDBP1A6zbipnNwaAuRAak3j1IS6Ajk1tEBMgVAewwAxtqfgkkf9OT2xLNbZiKSHFJfGoWVILYQM9F15siE0Z-Ac75W6l_c43QWs7Gu5b6rAGSy2GDJVfqYGvkjCaVx84nvXgHTd/s5184/R0013974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc-Q8eH3csgCN_8cf9DhFvJYc990XrbJqVTlzXqsMuxey1o0B0pDBP1A6zbipnNwaAuRAak3j1IS6Ajk1tEBMgVAewwAxtqfgkkf9OT2xLNbZiKSHFJfGoWVILYQM9F15siE0Z-Ac75W6l_c43QWs7Gu5b6rAGSy2GDJVfqYGvkjCaVx84nvXgHTd/w400-h300/R0013974.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose kept pulling ahead when I stopped for photos!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-3YM6bvw2zMYTR6jdlQCh5BlPX_W2qB1RvFO9uidG84zI79Rj-3Eitu9M4HigCQ0RweFc8-y7DqXqpTbGsVLCRnNc5qDMRu3-mg5c0FAdAjL78IgjTWD8cwMsv7uVIR71CI6XBPjKagkNTCGoSMXaUiWBBkudUpoaj3w-O6nF7SZ-ZKnvYv8YLQK/s5184/R0013976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-3YM6bvw2zMYTR6jdlQCh5BlPX_W2qB1RvFO9uidG84zI79Rj-3Eitu9M4HigCQ0RweFc8-y7DqXqpTbGsVLCRnNc5qDMRu3-mg5c0FAdAjL78IgjTWD8cwMsv7uVIR71CI6XBPjKagkNTCGoSMXaUiWBBkudUpoaj3w-O6nF7SZ-ZKnvYv8YLQK/w400-h300/R0013976.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may have been the hardest tree problem of the morning. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxCR4DHq1ZH3TI_OcyLY8c7VMtsAjXo6c-ilI3aguGGU4msvA1lo3mNXg_mVu0N9TvgKuBL4RRRb7ee_1dTxgONaOtGVe1eTevj32nCe-GMc0FpzZbJdI80uklGlXCpcjrkLSY_rp6f5Y_d41qoYa4FHp_cnL-WiZeGFX9t7an3WgDPuM3Ma30Xsg/s5184/R0013982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxCR4DHq1ZH3TI_OcyLY8c7VMtsAjXo6c-ilI3aguGGU4msvA1lo3mNXg_mVu0N9TvgKuBL4RRRb7ee_1dTxgONaOtGVe1eTevj32nCe-GMc0FpzZbJdI80uklGlXCpcjrkLSY_rp6f5Y_d41qoYa4FHp_cnL-WiZeGFX9t7an3WgDPuM3Ma30Xsg/w400-h300/R0013982.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, caught the sun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEV42k7vzrMOrLoodNFZqlQYMUFpyZ4xhiylwoh-JXsbc3PplJHWa6WaCznu4i2w0vRNQhN5ATYmVMBNhA-mnHbwCdgn6Ki0ugcJGHbhcwT7UO9FES-wY3P3SlNQ2ZJMv2ZE_qd8rOlagCNFLUQTWndADumoSylfWzHf9bnn-8i4l8IKyfLGGKs3d/s5184/R0013988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEV42k7vzrMOrLoodNFZqlQYMUFpyZ4xhiylwoh-JXsbc3PplJHWa6WaCznu4i2w0vRNQhN5ATYmVMBNhA-mnHbwCdgn6Ki0ugcJGHbhcwT7UO9FES-wY3P3SlNQ2ZJMv2ZE_qd8rOlagCNFLUQTWndADumoSylfWzHf9bnn-8i4l8IKyfLGGKs3d/w400-h300/R0013988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took our break somewhere around here, sitting in the sun at the side of the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPro71w9vNJRZymMc8pDisRCfALMpxiWX8wAUQ3diYwG1mvoiZTQDPsFYYtKW1j6__DLbo3LR9fwMD4sgebUZufxGTisITVs6S9LtiE6lsxCwf6Iwb5HVUsMBFR8TVFMQ97c5GVOLRqwWZArS8fD87t7u4wsvyl1NxMNOiIGG9oWK3EAYC3eo_BuM/s5184/R0013992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPro71w9vNJRZymMc8pDisRCfALMpxiWX8wAUQ3diYwG1mvoiZTQDPsFYYtKW1j6__DLbo3LR9fwMD4sgebUZufxGTisITVs6S9LtiE6lsxCwf6Iwb5HVUsMBFR8TVFMQ97c5GVOLRqwWZArS8fD87t7u4wsvyl1NxMNOiIGG9oWK3EAYC3eo_BuM/w400-h300/R0013992.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sections of road were more clear than others.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oeQoIQfiJF74w_4CbYvyfixIk1Wdgz2J4QoBwb9YfIramEnKpsLSufKqBVFxsPa50Kr3j5DIkFD0vqGdewsuX_aU_OijSOOM4ocDWJ_VUHKN5MieHQQjZZqviZ3y6n5KAukIO3krQ7vCNeYiC85toMfm0_CnvLu_ryxu0sRNeORYJSQPlaVJnMA8/s5184/R0013996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oeQoIQfiJF74w_4CbYvyfixIk1Wdgz2J4QoBwb9YfIramEnKpsLSufKqBVFxsPa50Kr3j5DIkFD0vqGdewsuX_aU_OijSOOM4ocDWJ_VUHKN5MieHQQjZZqviZ3y6n5KAukIO3krQ7vCNeYiC85toMfm0_CnvLu_ryxu0sRNeORYJSQPlaVJnMA8/w400-h300/R0013996.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This grouse obligingly posed for me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx8ssvncDTz73viqTA2ufnifV0d6D-9gxqic35KCEGY6Str4bnp59idmJ6KdMEXaPBRjqaayFA2J9cCURkxNeRFVIVhoJ4x-YY3NZNyshHoV8Oro_5CUrTlP5tjSY0llh5uTObN-DjJDV4bQzADdsF6D4Un_wQxMZyGoh5hbWyxRlC6GVsvhWF23I/s5184/R0013999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx8ssvncDTz73viqTA2ufnifV0d6D-9gxqic35KCEGY6Str4bnp59idmJ6KdMEXaPBRjqaayFA2J9cCURkxNeRFVIVhoJ4x-YY3NZNyshHoV8Oro_5CUrTlP5tjSY0llh5uTObN-DjJDV4bQzADdsF6D4Un_wQxMZyGoh5hbWyxRlC6GVsvhWF23I/w400-h300/R0013999.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass in bloom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdRU5hz1uVAvVrg97t9NrY1fr0jIUTnZQ0wu-bbrN2v6R4RpNY1lkydxo22fiAJL5EyTUTq5HxGRnped14x8UynGJVkfdJGXZPyRadKgpzIwsq6ay6iqtmh13vYBzL5ho971I0vfoSQ8BC8mJ5BhRPs_2LLYGHBr8TBhRTXUn0Sx86QbRhXwinU_d/s5184/R0014003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdRU5hz1uVAvVrg97t9NrY1fr0jIUTnZQ0wu-bbrN2v6R4RpNY1lkydxo22fiAJL5EyTUTq5HxGRnped14x8UynGJVkfdJGXZPyRadKgpzIwsq6ay6iqtmh13vYBzL5ho971I0vfoSQ8BC8mJ5BhRPs_2LLYGHBr8TBhRTXUn0Sx86QbRhXwinU_d/w400-h300/R0014003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got our shadows together!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3u8VKAlSIPxFR4TjJS7c9eVsm2atmKvCGv51FpDpLQd4mnsdp3dLSlFZFAKZ8HnpGH7SccvCFhZ10uIbnsCih8wY9Vr7wOf4yTxTCjf-GbwPBJQZrW8WbwMqUnRBVsHH62Rs2X-9dH_0MYg3l7-VfRtEV_J3ig3XmgXwF_x08KaEqbHRwOldNtML/s5184/R0014007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3u8VKAlSIPxFR4TjJS7c9eVsm2atmKvCGv51FpDpLQd4mnsdp3dLSlFZFAKZ8HnpGH7SccvCFhZ10uIbnsCih8wY9Vr7wOf4yTxTCjf-GbwPBJQZrW8WbwMqUnRBVsHH62Rs2X-9dH_0MYg3l7-VfRtEV_J3ig3XmgXwF_x08KaEqbHRwOldNtML/w400-h300/R0014007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, there were some pretty sweet views as we hiked.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV-5GLsXfgN_cqt5Vk9ULrCsoDHCOYz3UH7kJtf1sI1sb-dO5JBdkfXye5hK197tSIrIYINN_8SpUBMcgXJWaNazRWXIf_vTg9U-8O4NAqZCZ5Ve-G8nYjVDsgm9Ve4UvIhA0u9n-YyU2yclf7DHEA1IM8eVpN2XATNnplrk4MkIrujfJ7PkH7V-H/s5184/R0014010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV-5GLsXfgN_cqt5Vk9ULrCsoDHCOYz3UH7kJtf1sI1sb-dO5JBdkfXye5hK197tSIrIYINN_8SpUBMcgXJWaNazRWXIf_vTg9U-8O4NAqZCZ5Ve-G8nYjVDsgm9Ve4UvIhA0u9n-YyU2yclf7DHEA1IM8eVpN2XATNnplrk4MkIrujfJ7PkH7V-H/w400-h300/R0014010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a lot of bear grass in bloom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ_ykLFZB3T9mtOqaILJbiCVUc-IdF9OUtx7qDxkxMLoN37uYPQqidC2BSH8HCQ8kp221umujQ_9gwgQ2hvnHL5iYTWqW394x6XkmaV9ZDKfCOcYExrhJFv7F42TLVyTvuha7Vpgeo2RwjdC67eB9CGu3wcKAUalRPmtGzYI4uP8SID38qIKxWPjN/s5184/R0014014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ_ykLFZB3T9mtOqaILJbiCVUc-IdF9OUtx7qDxkxMLoN37uYPQqidC2BSH8HCQ8kp221umujQ_9gwgQ2hvnHL5iYTWqW394x6XkmaV9ZDKfCOcYExrhJFv7F42TLVyTvuha7Vpgeo2RwjdC67eB9CGu3wcKAUalRPmtGzYI4uP8SID38qIKxWPjN/w400-h300/R0014014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose hadn't lost his buff yet here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGLn3iThE7us8bI2vDamvsSwlFTLPQrb8HTECVj4oHiSuwCSpgTJ6udpBYrq9qMBAv7mwGxoPlpd5F7AwYRewGxqxUqdNMmdhWaSEhH02P35_DUofm8yFlfK3cOxIRsHwRZtNPsKZAArPFLqEiH4Hnr6Y-ZtV4_BECxnKF1ufIR5xTjvMmXQAYsFd/s5184/R0014020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGLn3iThE7us8bI2vDamvsSwlFTLPQrb8HTECVj4oHiSuwCSpgTJ6udpBYrq9qMBAv7mwGxoPlpd5F7AwYRewGxqxUqdNMmdhWaSEhH02P35_DUofm8yFlfK3cOxIRsHwRZtNPsKZAArPFLqEiH4Hnr6Y-ZtV4_BECxnKF1ufIR5xTjvMmXQAYsFd/w400-h300/R0014020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, that's a gate!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXPEMBm2EEIHi2tj6b60TMbTAZPMkK9uTSqqDawu3F8jHSXVoFif9uW4ew4h6ZYw-_TmkNdvmtfYqKRO0iLJuvhoHdB9TJI_HUTvvLV-TDLsv81gOhliPG7PLtfF7kCQ0OzwzkXq6BbXlxW0tg4SYlHhJq_iWBQ-FFqYSk2oV6DqeoM0JycRVIz1x/s5184/R0014021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXPEMBm2EEIHi2tj6b60TMbTAZPMkK9uTSqqDawu3F8jHSXVoFif9uW4ew4h6ZYw-_TmkNdvmtfYqKRO0iLJuvhoHdB9TJI_HUTvvLV-TDLsv81gOhliPG7PLtfF7kCQ0OzwzkXq6BbXlxW0tg4SYlHhJq_iWBQ-FFqYSk2oV6DqeoM0JycRVIz1x/w400-h300/R0014021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gate close-up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIAX-lIJq9RfYIAA6han526A8CT_fSRuKX1GcCCxUvT0nKb5sLwb29jtXfDuVQh484gOuaxdqzMDo5lXXa5nIQUOFGAQlKBOQOUlcijEc0dFZG3aZK85TReKLrTqEScPmCdJLPiqsnSriij4ldmurHPBu9v3lMlu3Bugg4hLHEHeAWv4HWooJZPty/s5184/R0014024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIAX-lIJq9RfYIAA6han526A8CT_fSRuKX1GcCCxUvT0nKb5sLwb29jtXfDuVQh484gOuaxdqzMDo5lXXa5nIQUOFGAQlKBOQOUlcijEc0dFZG3aZK85TReKLrTqEScPmCdJLPiqsnSriij4ldmurHPBu9v3lMlu3Bugg4hLHEHeAWv4HWooJZPty/w400-h300/R0014024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The permit box at Pueblo Summit Trailhead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzs-X__s8F5Lazson8uYcSGC_rf66o7sEiezx3VLtDdv1TzCyeiXTp6K-Q3j0j8xDh-OW50ceMgB59-lFjHBvE-wn0cxKWaHyDgrXmL3iT0_S78t-t0sqoiIDFU-etK22v9V7ZLGzqB5OySzYI885y0Zxp7QCAaRo2zCxjAn1G2KMLHR5k3jIyH0n/s5184/R0014025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzs-X__s8F5Lazson8uYcSGC_rf66o7sEiezx3VLtDdv1TzCyeiXTp6K-Q3j0j8xDh-OW50ceMgB59-lFjHBvE-wn0cxKWaHyDgrXmL3iT0_S78t-t0sqoiIDFU-etK22v9V7ZLGzqB5OySzYI885y0Zxp7QCAaRo2zCxjAn1G2KMLHR5k3jIyH0n/w400-h300/R0014025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose at Pueblo Summit Trailhead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIV4DcyV7eYYTKOsYzx6rZqX2B2zzm3TcVJBcdYf1aE7YqLNTWpVkU1LvcFRDOdLhcI2xyRAfiBNcPXg9sJGDYOI6LdYiP3W-0z2DAmu64wGGGHKRu0M0NDFZXtrIXlyDoeE7zkP_Y6wgJvVQHkVpHg0zDVJg_dnd9nDavkUihmGIir_1TrzNVRGV/s5184/R0014029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIV4DcyV7eYYTKOsYzx6rZqX2B2zzm3TcVJBcdYf1aE7YqLNTWpVkU1LvcFRDOdLhcI2xyRAfiBNcPXg9sJGDYOI6LdYiP3W-0z2DAmu64wGGGHKRu0M0NDFZXtrIXlyDoeE7zkP_Y6wgJvVQHkVpHg0zDVJg_dnd9nDavkUihmGIir_1TrzNVRGV/w400-h300/R0014029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose route-finding our way up to Pueblo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9i6yS7L_JDSl43GW-dw9wYPbSP_OWTZqldJ-2wVBqNyy5cpK-hNz6EuIL7Ltdasa_jMJJEQYqYVNzhGV2YKsqA4D2TgCwVXaV_v9qtGxf9pZfhXrv2SdaqNh8h1h6xrJAV5yz55eiLKmxbXU9LzwcYZQ6BeGtxfZimIVuVx5eUsyXj2GmrrvpvTK/s5184/R0014030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9i6yS7L_JDSl43GW-dw9wYPbSP_OWTZqldJ-2wVBqNyy5cpK-hNz6EuIL7Ltdasa_jMJJEQYqYVNzhGV2YKsqA4D2TgCwVXaV_v9qtGxf9pZfhXrv2SdaqNh8h1h6xrJAV5yz55eiLKmxbXU9LzwcYZQ6BeGtxfZimIVuVx5eUsyXj2GmrrvpvTK/w400-h300/R0014030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How we managed to find this... </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9mGzyfZxqdMSFt5yhOfRt-Zpad2DyKvfuN8nVB5RF6NS5-sPCnFykph2mTuLgN_cYVxCj75aTiHgjMVMyelLuTQwZRG1U5YyibIF_nog_oJYPwoiWnYjOvzYVkh7yAqDuL2ky4HxkgsOZTjK6RsRcDFR2SWAZHFQWyg4ca8R4Baa6XHZv80sjgtN/s5184/R0014032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9mGzyfZxqdMSFt5yhOfRt-Zpad2DyKvfuN8nVB5RF6NS5-sPCnFykph2mTuLgN_cYVxCj75aTiHgjMVMyelLuTQwZRG1U5YyibIF_nog_oJYPwoiWnYjOvzYVkh7yAqDuL2ky4HxkgsOZTjK6RsRcDFR2SWAZHFQWyg4ca8R4Baa6XHZv80sjgtN/w400-h300/R0014032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was definitely a structure at some point.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrn8-abVgmTrJNGT0PEpByH3OqJxFpNY5xzm8CVQVwQz91HqFVKquCWcolWeG9XhlWYQ0xekf3cwKAJZzL0vGuOix6UFYQeT9CWQ6bh-9uW1asjBU0saVec7-2uPQ7EHBHgEA4EWpVAKzTK-d20Z4lzyQFwCn8UtdW_I3gImE9SeM5C9HigoudmmW/s5184/R0014034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrn8-abVgmTrJNGT0PEpByH3OqJxFpNY5xzm8CVQVwQz91HqFVKquCWcolWeG9XhlWYQ0xekf3cwKAJZzL0vGuOix6UFYQeT9CWQ6bh-9uW1asjBU0saVec7-2uPQ7EHBHgEA4EWpVAKzTK-d20Z4lzyQFwCn8UtdW_I3gImE9SeM5C9HigoudmmW/w400-h300/R0014034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From here, I could just see the benchmark.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6nX8Au631sEFGFonJjSQERfxvVGgHhbnBzufWxgNl3rlS3NfU9YqOxNTtP-PHZMcwf8M4aoFHnFylA47YjUVdygF34dw-ptQ5nHb9NkiDg-3FtFB_tsbHR3f0R87pcMxBg6K1SckYUpzwH7pkctvBHs--YH9Ugh2Ctt4uv7O_ByVH-YE6lcika6X/s5184/R0014037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6nX8Au631sEFGFonJjSQERfxvVGgHhbnBzufWxgNl3rlS3NfU9YqOxNTtP-PHZMcwf8M4aoFHnFylA47YjUVdygF34dw-ptQ5nHb9NkiDg-3FtFB_tsbHR3f0R87pcMxBg6K1SckYUpzwH7pkctvBHs--YH9Ugh2Ctt4uv7O_ByVH-YE6lcika6X/w640-h480/R0014037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture does not come close to capturing the majesty of this view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp_ccDbtfuS6sauOcKeRFXFJFU9spvskAngE4wUcWesqMyRQrwvyA60lO9BuebgwWWj-5V_Mkl83_AhQqYTNiZEF5dFQO8WwvxZaq_Pm6oBHQdyyInpgNxspEPnRi_EH7DzfxU14rWlN9XtruqK6spw7I9HiRmkrkP-pgRSKJcxNPrkjttalCppaU/s5184/R0014038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp_ccDbtfuS6sauOcKeRFXFJFU9spvskAngE4wUcWesqMyRQrwvyA60lO9BuebgwWWj-5V_Mkl83_AhQqYTNiZEF5dFQO8WwvxZaq_Pm6oBHQdyyInpgNxspEPnRi_EH7DzfxU14rWlN9XtruqK6spw7I9HiRmkrkP-pgRSKJcxNPrkjttalCppaU/w400-h300/R0014038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The benchmark!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WQ7A2mMXMeNkq4WnQ_dvGO5-8xGBPnuHaL5xL9dFZbCxMgPdf8sMlN24yzcSLKR_BRgaIurd9mJ5n2cwJV07Vnb1AQ7_96M3RydzTQbzK0cAytTX_o2Is7XHh3ra2EtIava0iYf96dyqxcbj0rpoIvekNYc6fSHG88j-VY59N4IH4fEVXHOVz4XB/s5184/R0014039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WQ7A2mMXMeNkq4WnQ_dvGO5-8xGBPnuHaL5xL9dFZbCxMgPdf8sMlN24yzcSLKR_BRgaIurd9mJ5n2cwJV07Vnb1AQ7_96M3RydzTQbzK0cAytTX_o2Is7XHh3ra2EtIava0iYf96dyqxcbj0rpoIvekNYc6fSHG88j-VY59N4IH4fEVXHOVz4XB/w400-h300/R0014039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benchmark close-up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixw9CP9tEPl2Y-la6fqo5mrJ3BwDBTBSIN3uLeLh-wRJczIMiOqhLDbBAryNOgrl96NxGr6OYc0QrLMQYSNv4MxBq9OcAUQmHanI8kgXf-fh3Q2dczJ6EyIx8xVRPxpp23_mM4gSeOXpIAzayHuEd0_-cTh2mwi_jVHfHDvWJbvps1MhdXFLy6XJoj/s5184/R0014040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixw9CP9tEPl2Y-la6fqo5mrJ3BwDBTBSIN3uLeLh-wRJczIMiOqhLDbBAryNOgrl96NxGr6OYc0QrLMQYSNv4MxBq9OcAUQmHanI8kgXf-fh3Q2dczJ6EyIx8xVRPxpp23_mM4gSeOXpIAzayHuEd0_-cTh2mwi_jVHfHDvWJbvps1MhdXFLy6XJoj/w400-h300/R0014040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbELd2JuU9ariHw7ztfPtyrpqSVeI2yIJseA7AgTdFQLfvl0X19g_vbIqgn-aQ8Nj9-quBUZCA7dkFpZugBEPyY7WCOXPMJfi9A983V4SQupTVbzcbnlVTxhDz18Cc36cdJydgPg8XH5DqICLVR_6hQQt9G6Axe_4cvv3F4JhDOpjqTqsvZXXg2Z/s5184/R0014042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbELd2JuU9ariHw7ztfPtyrpqSVeI2yIJseA7AgTdFQLfvl0X19g_vbIqgn-aQ8Nj9-quBUZCA7dkFpZugBEPyY7WCOXPMJfi9A983V4SQupTVbzcbnlVTxhDz18Cc36cdJydgPg8XH5DqICLVR_6hQQt9G6Axe_4cvv3F4JhDOpjqTqsvZXXg2Z/w400-h300/R0014042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a chipmunk hanging out on that log. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYkprWm5mR6MxJ7lpYa__2c2WXIkdYpQLtdfbz9M6oLbXG8XRkqEQ9rqARgELOwmIRiYFJHz5rqctUPzBBhQs8HfeFYkiU07H7Xq3sjLNJOqSaqtKepEhL3vcMz8lB9iXatDWAiXfsiyMrivODpXxHYyTSPk6l1ql-Nild-f6eh91XsU5PROf90U9/s5184/R0014052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYkprWm5mR6MxJ7lpYa__2c2WXIkdYpQLtdfbz9M6oLbXG8XRkqEQ9rqARgELOwmIRiYFJHz5rqctUPzBBhQs8HfeFYkiU07H7Xq3sjLNJOqSaqtKepEhL3vcMz8lB9iXatDWAiXfsiyMrivODpXxHYyTSPk6l1ql-Nild-f6eh91XsU5PROf90U9/w400-h300/R0014052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother recently corrected me, so this one I'll label an ussie.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTlAY2oW1tkhTknod-uzM9AGUYlYL4nHo4q-QtVdVFthJfXeer_9nbYsz_2Go6nlQ2xZWShYozO5TUmezstbTpwniLW6sl_bTwSXKe7TBmqAglPRyprsvMQQnYVj-9aC7WNAJUaWAkRI9Kyc5sATWzL0tgptVqGdJPg55YPLnpn4mlmbU1lwcvtG_/s5184/R0014053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTlAY2oW1tkhTknod-uzM9AGUYlYL4nHo4q-QtVdVFthJfXeer_9nbYsz_2Go6nlQ2xZWShYozO5TUmezstbTpwniLW6sl_bTwSXKe7TBmqAglPRyprsvMQQnYVj-9aC7WNAJUaWAkRI9Kyc5sATWzL0tgptVqGdJPg55YPLnpn4mlmbU1lwcvtG_/w400-h300/R0014053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass coming down from the summit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUlQDFBomyxwCPTGrMn8uSUvWQS-YTuuL72tT1QvVN7QBXeQgdxRTgSvxohVxfjKagRh4EvZQiMZWnSE_3lf7a0yGaN0_AQFuC3VVUQMHtuXwBc-bLHHJ70sHxNkGU_oar337ISZRR_bMJEyBAs31rudMmg5NnnRhbfM9lg3NQLjqFFvU72ugCXdv/s5184/R0014056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUlQDFBomyxwCPTGrMn8uSUvWQS-YTuuL72tT1QvVN7QBXeQgdxRTgSvxohVxfjKagRh4EvZQiMZWnSE_3lf7a0yGaN0_AQFuC3VVUQMHtuXwBc-bLHHJ70sHxNkGU_oar337ISZRR_bMJEyBAs31rudMmg5NnnRhbfM9lg3NQLjqFFvU72ugCXdv/w400-h300/R0014056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That date has a year of 01!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A1Fu-fnfWZ6Ul6P3tctHJ6I1t6TmmcHEgkymZNZeFLBMJv-_yZ-Z16IyM03W_rs9K5xzW3OdG4Q6K8jxkWCJajBo5fgTl8TJZoczHmzd7WkIG5zA6cqXBZ82nimUIIo7l973Ve7ZbR9FAVIk2dhshtweA-ofUnqWh28hUFJM-JYtVTHP1fdEGQeD/s5184/R0014057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A1Fu-fnfWZ6Ul6P3tctHJ6I1t6TmmcHEgkymZNZeFLBMJv-_yZ-Z16IyM03W_rs9K5xzW3OdG4Q6K8jxkWCJajBo5fgTl8TJZoczHmzd7WkIG5zA6cqXBZ82nimUIIo7l973Ve7ZbR9FAVIk2dhshtweA-ofUnqWh28hUFJM-JYtVTHP1fdEGQeD/w400-h300/R0014057.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside view of the permit box.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrIFaKrsKm5EK2hFDI_B6Qn33gHQf7GAV3w85UdHzto3qTtxAupq41FMatfJkt8APS-wrzes3TJrkbPUSWmrIEX1y8UdWdhCNGJFeRw7866qUVxFab_aQbNVmHqDiAkyupq2O55bADtQyzfCJ7tmZu8F-m_g9nrBo1XyaSYj3LKt8f3Uz7FdntYQQ/s5184/R0014060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrIFaKrsKm5EK2hFDI_B6Qn33gHQf7GAV3w85UdHzto3qTtxAupq41FMatfJkt8APS-wrzes3TJrkbPUSWmrIEX1y8UdWdhCNGJFeRw7866qUVxFab_aQbNVmHqDiAkyupq2O55bADtQyzfCJ7tmZu8F-m_g9nrBo1XyaSYj3LKt8f3Uz7FdntYQQ/w400-h300/R0014060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the road to Jeep Camp.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl9w0V_SrfSCrV1rhJC6vl6XpIWNi3lVoiYURuXyNqShuKHAgAQ9EZOi5b-gbYDN7L9IBjVkGWw_8L-Q98XQnMNbuS4CI80pMopZ3cERmCl2gi8CcYNZYK0JaXqCy0pe9eHzIBSsqSeEDs5zLK7TvyGC3EZ929fgV0lNfDfg05B9AJEeuaIJRulZ0/s5184/R0014069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl9w0V_SrfSCrV1rhJC6vl6XpIWNi3lVoiYURuXyNqShuKHAgAQ9EZOi5b-gbYDN7L9IBjVkGWw_8L-Q98XQnMNbuS4CI80pMopZ3cERmCl2gi8CcYNZYK0JaXqCy0pe9eHzIBSsqSeEDs5zLK7TvyGC3EZ929fgV0lNfDfg05B9AJEeuaIJRulZ0/w400-h300/R0014069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This road was in even better shape than the road in the wilderness. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD-L-KLQ6ReCI-XVWHMb4EeifXoNfduSUjvLqnV5WtN9142XrPkCAmPTSWx4wc8zB7knWMyyVs27NhXI3UgXGO1i2UgcBVQ0rt1trcHd3YyKB5R24-FXglUaB6PYWB5X1eupUDMV-mG-ZPhB-MVAe01ZUQFDC9fmVX7tRoOdilzuQLYPPhpqIQkOm/s5184/R0014071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD-L-KLQ6ReCI-XVWHMb4EeifXoNfduSUjvLqnV5WtN9142XrPkCAmPTSWx4wc8zB7knWMyyVs27NhXI3UgXGO1i2UgcBVQ0rt1trcHd3YyKB5R24-FXglUaB6PYWB5X1eupUDMV-mG-ZPhB-MVAe01ZUQFDC9fmVX7tRoOdilzuQLYPPhpqIQkOm/w400-h300/R0014071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It offered a few spectacular views.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrqUG4xlxjHdy_THHLC4EhOVX4vuelneDDe0nP5IRnUqrpyhVlfux79L-dyCjgzz2YuTwE4GMTS7KK7Qi2Fw9g9nHs6SFR_2RgeE7v0mm4dN6LGvjWvCWjVW7GdEoOzh__vbyOQ-jIQqrpAK5BTaoe8LDqS23U4sOMNZVVEXCTMGQdCfjghpadmXe/s5184/R0014076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrqUG4xlxjHdy_THHLC4EhOVX4vuelneDDe0nP5IRnUqrpyhVlfux79L-dyCjgzz2YuTwE4GMTS7KK7Qi2Fw9g9nHs6SFR_2RgeE7v0mm4dN6LGvjWvCWjVW7GdEoOzh__vbyOQ-jIQqrpAK5BTaoe8LDqS23U4sOMNZVVEXCTMGQdCfjghpadmXe/w400-h300/R0014076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rocky surface did make me walk a bit slower.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m329lEvVz-shPmYHzpnU7osyJKf4HfDiu-3Gyca_6J9tSK-eN3dlOj1haXf34C_JHG8UvJGSWK6davK0Z6GqH6ExqLIDYJX0PWoMjiAR1_jFBWcwVzI2n8PwCzhFgEhpZ9ZX9CgkWKPnXHJPoY8nt8Zst-2Husj3DL8Y8uWNp5LIYH2Nvpv4YMSj/s5184/R0014078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m329lEvVz-shPmYHzpnU7osyJKf4HfDiu-3Gyca_6J9tSK-eN3dlOj1haXf34C_JHG8UvJGSWK6davK0Z6GqH6ExqLIDYJX0PWoMjiAR1_jFBWcwVzI2n8PwCzhFgEhpZ9ZX9CgkWKPnXHJPoY8nt8Zst-2Husj3DL8Y8uWNp5LIYH2Nvpv4YMSj/w400-h300/R0014078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some water across the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnuWYjVLI0OZRDVl4QLo2uIgwEwZwNn87PnfVpaykrTsLTN0v0qZrHOG1XeXb0AG4bMHqywFI7FR_FaOvbfWysHYBPGVwDFblOgrVYqSSt8niP4SwLOevSoBLKlSh5vxrkOyEt-h2Pf3Fup6s6HhtEBTEBtfE9NU-y-gBzWuZIrY44XJ1WknJXeHJ/s5184/R0014085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnuWYjVLI0OZRDVl4QLo2uIgwEwZwNn87PnfVpaykrTsLTN0v0qZrHOG1XeXb0AG4bMHqywFI7FR_FaOvbfWysHYBPGVwDFblOgrVYqSSt8niP4SwLOevSoBLKlSh5vxrkOyEt-h2Pf3Fup6s6HhtEBTEBtfE9NU-y-gBzWuZIrY44XJ1WknJXeHJ/w400-h300/R0014085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last stream crossing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Py6xaOnQh_978cxQ5-APDXVFJ4MqqoR1y9ikhHLonUz6V0y19lxVYk8ZXwlnQ2OoydDTErbasspkVIrUNvrTVifEkqilLidBMj5bKklGQ1BP38vwFdih2vr4Wv3qc9kowfp6rrbLyZfV3Zw9JFngIkzeHidlIrXKGwxxFR7CjehWBnIjVpUzCdLW/s5184/R0014089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Py6xaOnQh_978cxQ5-APDXVFJ4MqqoR1y9ikhHLonUz6V0y19lxVYk8ZXwlnQ2OoydDTErbasspkVIrUNvrTVifEkqilLidBMj5bKklGQ1BP38vwFdih2vr4Wv3qc9kowfp6rrbLyZfV3Zw9JFngIkzeHidlIrXKGwxxFR7CjehWBnIjVpUzCdLW/w400-h300/R0014089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sure those bags shouldn't be lying about torn open with spilled contents...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKetcgmE39Wg_sAdDHVuJapACWKar4_Q2rR9F0nMRjYD4w9r9H8DOCR_mAnQHJfKBVNCUMZ6W0zXbj5K6--t56IGJTL77MT5bvaykO7kyPV6oS0IMdBqcEsR2mAa3yYcjYsZfFQR6wvyZs2-ZDSKbEDVmHDf4aVpvhpV9hfXoMW1gG7s8am00PeNMa/s5184/R0014090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKetcgmE39Wg_sAdDHVuJapACWKar4_Q2rR9F0nMRjYD4w9r9H8DOCR_mAnQHJfKBVNCUMZ6W0zXbj5K6--t56IGJTL77MT5bvaykO7kyPV6oS0IMdBqcEsR2mAa3yYcjYsZfFQR6wvyZs2-ZDSKbEDVmHDf4aVpvhpV9hfXoMW1gG7s8am00PeNMa/w400-h300/R0014090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks like it's used as a stock area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGikRRsHwp2au2vEj6C4CE4gtLNbvOuuV8YsFrU_xrupbhdTYFvIO1SgPdzN4BsO916I127ZKuup83GUN0TI8NZmmc0p71mAXp1MBDX8dijo7TJ3ca6TNca_wuOTNxzvhHVi-QGjQT1az0tB_2DVPUSrXIjiIX2ui9VtU8kq4OqsQM9MfdUD7A5DB7/s5184/R0014093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGikRRsHwp2au2vEj6C4CE4gtLNbvOuuV8YsFrU_xrupbhdTYFvIO1SgPdzN4BsO916I127ZKuup83GUN0TI8NZmmc0p71mAXp1MBDX8dijo7TJ3ca6TNca_wuOTNxzvhHVi-QGjQT1az0tB_2DVPUSrXIjiIX2ui9VtU8kq4OqsQM9MfdUD7A5DB7/w400-h300/R0014093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosquito Ridge Trailhead is to the right. We made it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0Ll6RwP4rl4XlHWkRxjLOx5u_aXQhiece1fii00ae0TeDmAQWQFxGy93M3naaQDsQcFABt2eflpaoDedtgCpIUxgDQbqyDO5wz2VyzuBL1SMAl_J1_87D8ll6zv4oJQsyd1qR7317HFCuN0jRj90wqaP9vd6CEeTkYcLPJ4g4svN1IToaM7b_I8q/s5184/R0014094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0Ll6RwP4rl4XlHWkRxjLOx5u_aXQhiece1fii00ae0TeDmAQWQFxGy93M3naaQDsQcFABt2eflpaoDedtgCpIUxgDQbqyDO5wz2VyzuBL1SMAl_J1_87D8ll6zv4oJQsyd1qR7317HFCuN0jRj90wqaP9vd6CEeTkYcLPJ4g4svN1IToaM7b_I8q/w400-h300/R0014094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nDQAE9-DD94_s34vAEz_GcffZ2wPcCz3JIPhHPhOYwpv9J2-Hvh4_77ji2Idi1ttjXX5elS1v6ZqnSkc7XCYs5_ptNaEn9R1C3giVyjszckhuk4O23gyhfRNedff2XAAHRyY_BKDgphrukJco27wWJa8zXee2aJhb8TwT9we2jTNkUcKunAoJsSr/s5184/R0014097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nDQAE9-DD94_s34vAEz_GcffZ2wPcCz3JIPhHPhOYwpv9J2-Hvh4_77ji2Idi1ttjXX5elS1v6ZqnSkc7XCYs5_ptNaEn9R1C3giVyjszckhuk4O23gyhfRNedff2XAAHRyY_BKDgphrukJco27wWJa8zXee2aJhb8TwT9we2jTNkUcKunAoJsSr/w400-h300/R0014097.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trailhead sign rests at an awkward angle.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtD6el3PgoZP3CfmKf_Ok__ByAMkZWe-IM8gckrSBSOywxJ-s72dgLi5izjHTN4k1OKnWY9sbBfumKqt_oOA2DF8yQVKMur0IbQkULY_MTLwCzcg1zZP2HeVoAnQki4DITR9uQlcAkzvfFwsXEHjKW7Nglr2kvu96VBFom-xEqU9RPMHy-RWRok19/s5184/R0014099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtD6el3PgoZP3CfmKf_Ok__ByAMkZWe-IM8gckrSBSOywxJ-s72dgLi5izjHTN4k1OKnWY9sbBfumKqt_oOA2DF8yQVKMur0IbQkULY_MTLwCzcg1zZP2HeVoAnQki4DITR9uQlcAkzvfFwsXEHjKW7Nglr2kvu96VBFom-xEqU9RPMHy-RWRok19/w400-h300/R0014099.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a neat little knife!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-74330511384292668612022-09-21T08:00:00.159-06:002022-09-21T08:00:00.253-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 6<p>It was nice to sleep in a little bit. Though I don’t really agree with how Ambrose does it. See, he doesn’t reset the alarm. He just lets it go off at the same time (5:30 am) and then trusts himself to wake back up in 30 or 60 minutes. He’s good at it, no doubt about that, but I’d rather not have my sleep interrupted like that. I want to sleep all the way through! </p><p>Still, it was a good morning. Not super cold, but cool enough to keep the mosquitoes asleep. We got ready in good order, and then began our day. The first few miles were going to be downhill, and I was feeling very cold, even thought it wasn’t that cold. Ambrose and I both wore our down jackets to start the hike. His choice surprised me, because he always seems to be warmed than me. I know that I don’t warm up very well if I’m hiking downhill, and I suppose, now that he has lost so much weight, he doesn’t either. </p><p>We weren’t very far from the intersection to Crane Meadows. If we hadn’t been so exhausted the day before, it would have been easy to make it there and even on to the meadow. In fact, there were now campsites at the junction. My memory of it from the first time we visited was a handwritten sign. Now there were a couple of fire rings, lots of places to camp. I didn’t see water, but from the map, it looked like there would be water across the trail not too far from the intersection. I kind of regretted not camping there. </p><p>We hiked on. I remembered this part of the hike being quite pretty, and that memory held true. In the cool morning air, I wished I could take more pictures. But morning light doesn’t get along well with my camera, so I had to choose my shots wisely. </p><p>It was also a different experience to be hiking in the early morning instead of later in the day. The greenery had a more muted vibrance, instead of glowing in the sun’s light. I liked it. Other than being cold, I was feeling much better. My feet had not yet begun to ache for the day, and I had a hope that they might not. I mean, I figured my feet would get used to hiking in these boots eventually. </p><p>We knew that we were going to get to a wooden bridge before we started the really steep descent. Before we reached the bridge, Ambrose warmed up enough to take his jacket off. I kept mine on. It was cold enough that I doubted I’d take it off before we caught the sun. Of course, we were running away from the sun by hiking down into a canyon, avoiding it as long as possible. </p><p>We reached the little bridge way quicker than I thought we would. I took a picture of Ambrose, and he took one of me. I wish I’d told him to make sure that he took it from the same general angle that I’d taken his so that I could superimpose us together on the bridge, but alas, I wasn’t thinking of that and neither was he. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0rsB00BJmJwpR1nrq1E5wqgslMNo_xaByJEAnLYaE7ZiLgPOoeQsD4Z7kIqAVvq8oAO_HcY30HDtl5ylmF325hqQHn8bKhGZU71v8gP-EIwhgoWVobX9uxHH5618H8WiTEA1zsiBD2jLevjvk51bHl2WoD91PUjdhbLjgdNiZ_UztX2iJ4ybepdD/s1920/bridge%20triumph.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0rsB00BJmJwpR1nrq1E5wqgslMNo_xaByJEAnLYaE7ZiLgPOoeQsD4Z7kIqAVvq8oAO_HcY30HDtl5ylmF325hqQHn8bKhGZU71v8gP-EIwhgoWVobX9uxHH5618H8WiTEA1zsiBD2jLevjvk51bHl2WoD91PUjdhbLjgdNiZ_UztX2iJ4ybepdD/w640-h360/bridge%20triumph.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>After the bridge, we were headed down. And fast. I mean, it started off easily enough, a nice gentle downslope among well grown trees. But then the trail just takes a dive. I remember coming up this trail and feeling like it was practically vertical. It’s a little better going down, but it is still very steep. And rocky. </p><p>But it goes a lot faster when you’re going down instead of up. </p><p>I saw signs of beaver work below on Hand Creek, which made me smile. There were some huckleberries growing along the trail, but they were still green. Too early for them to be ripe, alas. There were even still thimbleberries in bloom. That’s what we get for hiking in mid-July. </p><p>It was just about time for a break when we reached the canyon floor. We put our packs down, but I did walk ahead a bit to see if the crossing of Hand Creek was right around the next bend. It was not, though it was definitely close. I was glad that we stopped for a break though, because it was break time. And crossing a creek is best done with some food in our bellies. I also took the opportunity to take my down jacket off and stow it. It was still a little chilly, but I could handle the temperature with my sun hoodie and button down shirt. </p><p>After break, we got to the crossing. It would be a boots off crossing if we were to ford it. But there was a very large tree that had fallen over the creek. With no branches sticking out, it was practically begging us to use it to cross. We obliged. Ambrose went first while I recorded the event. He scooted across, and I thought that I would do that as well. I watched him closely as he looked to dismount from the log on the far side. The dismount wasn’t on trail, and Ambrose ended up kind of falling when the piece of log he was stepping on just broke off under his foot. I yelled over to confirm he was okay before going over to the log to start my own crossing. Nothing I could do for him without crossing anyway. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz75GxK_K13n6v1ipkCbGOOkMcAqydO9LjMNntuTab1XJeLGe3EebL4E8OIR7-cmiuZv8G1sVhMDx7JsXq-TQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>When I got to the log, I could see just how wide it was, and I decided to walk it instead. The width didn’t just give me more confidence in my ability to balance on it standing, it also made me wonder if I could even straddle it comfortably for a scoot. Walking across the log was easy for me, and I thought it was too bad Ambrose couldn’t get the camera from me to record this awesome crossing. When I got to the end, I could see why Ambrose had had trouble. </p><p>This end was where the tree had broken off from its roots. It was wide and hard to navigate. Oh, and the end was also floating about 4 feet above the ground. Really hard for me to figure out how to get down safely. I ended up bracing my right arm on some wood that was sticking up and my left on the trunk, trying to reach my feet down until they hit the ground. </p><p>It would have been fine if the wood on which I was bracing my right arm had not broken, dumping me abruptly and jamming another piece of wood into the soft underside of my bicep. It hurt. A LOT. I screamed a bit, but told Ambrose it was okay, that he did not need to come to me. I mean, it really, really hurt, but I could move the arm, and I didn’t see any blood. Good thing I was still wearing two shirts for warmth! </p><p>I started to make my way through the brush to Ambrose and he was directing me to a specific path. I felt annoyed, because I wanted to go to him directly so he could look at my arm and make sure I wasn’t injured. (Also I needed a hug.) But he had my best interests at heart; he was directing me away from the on trail water he had stepped in. Since my boots sucked in water, I did appreciate that once I realized what he was about. </p><p>Once we were together and on dry land, I dumped my pack so we could take a look at the arm. I stripped my shirts off and was relieved to see that the skin had not been broken. Despite how much it hurt, there was no bleeding, nothing but soft tissue insult. I was good to hike on. </p><p>And hike on we did. I was feeling a bit slow because of my injury. I kept getting distracted by the pain as my arm moved in ways that now felt painful. We kept an eye out for our old campsite, but the terrain had changed so much that we never nailed it down exactly. We knew where it was basically though, because the trail crossed Joe Creek right around where we camped. After passing Joe Creek, Ambrose got some energy or something. Or I was just slower. Because he took off and disappeared, leaving me to hike in my pain alone for a while. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UPz8OLFeECj9cDZCMHqyeINSelBw28UCPFUmwHK0mcvqjBp55wOLTZB85A6QDVsDoDRJAYbBQHspOGj5yqh8rbBj9qPPvJ8__H4XHTYw69D-WqYUVH28z2NP0Sq9Pu4Ft0bgPU-P71Dk9g2I89jIrsqIwpJNcr2WMeNR_MQzg8V0p-iQv3gDAHIh/s5184/the%20road%20ahead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UPz8OLFeECj9cDZCMHqyeINSelBw28UCPFUmwHK0mcvqjBp55wOLTZB85A6QDVsDoDRJAYbBQHspOGj5yqh8rbBj9qPPvJ8__H4XHTYw69D-WqYUVH28z2NP0Sq9Pu4Ft0bgPU-P71Dk9g2I89jIrsqIwpJNcr2WMeNR_MQzg8V0p-iQv3gDAHIh/w400-h300/the%20road%20ahead.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a pretty good view of the road ahead.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I didn’t even get a proper picture of the junction, because Ambrose wasn’t waiting right at it. When I caught up with him, he was confused about where the trail was that we were supposed to follow. This was understandable, because when we were here in 2016 it was clearly a T junction, with the long arm being Beaver Creek where we’d come from and a clear left and right. Now, it was an L, with trees fallen across the route that we planned to take now. </p><p>We knew this was going to be the iffiest part of our hike. Least traveled, most potential for being difficult and/or gone. And yet, to see it was a bit disheartening. Still. I was annoyed at Ambrose for leaving me behind, so I just forged ahead, stepping over tree after tree as I spotted the trail based on old cut logs. </p><p>Before long, we reached Beaver Creek, which we needed to ford. This ford was a bit trickier than most, because the trail didn’t lead nicely down to the water. We needed to clamber down after we’d changed into our crossing shoes, through bushes and other pokey bits. Ambrose went first, as usual. He’s a good depth gauge. The water wasn’t very deep, but it was fast, which makes even knee deep water tricky to cross. </p><p>After we both made it across safely, it was time to sit and have a break. A good thing, because the continuation of the trail on this side of the water was not clear. I was glad of some time to change back into my boots and look at the lay of the land. When it was time to start walking again, Ambrose suggested heading south, but I countered with north and once he looked, he agreed. </p><p>Smart of him, since we quickly found a cut log proving the trail was under our feet. From there, the trail wasn’t too hard to discern. There were lots of trees across the trail, but not too many tree puzzles, making the going moderately slow, but not too bad. We were also headed uphill and in full sun. No more worrying about the cold! </p><p>I made sure to look back periodically as we hiked up, to see the land we’d just hiked through. It’s a very beautiful area, and each gain in elevation gave a different angle to enjoy of the view. After a while though, there was less to see behind us, because we were starting to hike up the creek drainage. That meant a lot more bushes and small trees and challenges. </p><p>The trail here was clearly less well maintained. A lot of live, mature trees had fallen down over the trail. It was so bad, that at one point, I convinced Ambrose to follow me up to a sea of rocks in the hopes it might be a trail. It wasn’t a trail, but it was a lot easier to traverse than the tree covered trail. But after we reached the end of that rock slide section, we went back to the trees. </p><p>There were a lot of them. Yes, we were pretty much on trail, but it didn’t feel like trail. It felt more like torture, especially with my injured arm catching on branches as we had to go over, under and through – yes through! – trees and branches and bushes. I kept looking longingly at every rock pile up above where we were hiking. Ambrose kept leading us through tree puzzle after tree puzzle. Successfully, I will add, using the GPS to keep us mostly on track. </p><p>Then the GPS told him that the trail was in Coin Creek, which was the body of water we were following upstream. Not next to the water, but right on the water. That’s where my line got drawn. No way was I hiking up a creek! </p><p>Good thing we found a trail going up to the rocks. I got my wish! We headed up and hiked along trail that was blessedly free of trees. Well, it was tree-free until we hit the forest again, but there weren’t too many down on the trail. It was almost time for lunch when we reached the crossing of Coin Creek. It looked like the trail kind of disappeared at that point. There was old trail going back the way we came at a different angle, but there didn’t appear to be trail going forward along the creek. So we crossed, and then found a little spot to eat lunch, a bit upstream of the crossing because that’s where the shade was. </p><p>I went and got some water to filter while Ambrose studied the GPS and the map. Then I made lunch while he got some water filtered. We ate, and then Ambrose went on a walkabout trying to find the trail. He recrossed the creek and explored. I sat in the shade and tried to recover. </p><p>Before too long, he returned. He hadn’t found a good route, but it was time to keep going. We weren’t far from the mine, that was certain. We just needed the right path. </p><p>I got myself up and ready to go. Then I followed Ambrose towards the creek crossing, but something made me hesitate. After we’d crossed the creek initially, we’d found a washed out section, a second crossing that was much shallower, and a lot of loose rock. I thought, what if the trail just kept going straight? Trails generally do around here; in fact, that’s one of the tactics I use now to help me stay on iffy trails. So I took a look. Ambrose looked back when he realized I wasn’t right behind him. I asked him to wait a moment. And I explored. </p><p>Lo and behold, a cut log! A trail! </p><p>And look up! It’s the mine! </p><p>We had made it. Technically, we made it before lunch, we just hadn’t realized it at the time. </p><p>There were several structures and lots of old, rusted machinery at the site of the Golden Hand Mine. We explored the largest building’s first floor extensively, but couldn’t get into the second floor. The door was stuck, and the stairs were kind of scary, especially on the way down. I found water along the trail we’d be taking the next day. It was easier to get to because going back down to our original crossing was a significant down hike in comparison. </p><p>We spent the afternoon looking around and hanging out. We ate dinner at a fire ring outside the large building. I improvised a bench by setting a plank across the metal ring. It was quite nice to sit on for eating. The weather forecast was warm for the evening, so we decided to cowboy camp. It’s nice, every now and then, to sleep without a tent. As long as the bugs aren’t too bad! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpG4Z0U7yRWOGDDGtwuXhG2ed6MSPxGkaJUoJSoDcNAL2LkWYvchJiPHo6gPIdm4Hx1NAu-LxsK-MnlEgvYtA91simSQLEmVXUeonGAYlumIXzErTuMMth1EtgvLNbEZHILvBpPivO7e7Lhf_2prrjwQHflCr8pUGTQiRt47bWJYZyjMYCfk7VVql/s5184/R0013747.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpG4Z0U7yRWOGDDGtwuXhG2ed6MSPxGkaJUoJSoDcNAL2LkWYvchJiPHo6gPIdm4Hx1NAu-LxsK-MnlEgvYtA91simSQLEmVXUeonGAYlumIXzErTuMMth1EtgvLNbEZHILvBpPivO7e7Lhf_2prrjwQHflCr8pUGTQiRt47bWJYZyjMYCfk7VVql/w400-h300/R0013747.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is ready to go.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C8mAmCBsMfHPtyLkoutlJxnuc2qLPGGdWHjxOXgg9TxZKyPjZ6MXbNVeLbwoDhx7i6PWuin94ylTU3rr5RcjNM78X43s1TOBBIg73ZMMunGZHqDVycVM1U_yVH3fxAUR2IYBLPx7d6Cyjgh9F5WTEC757avcjE-df6ybRWZRk0Y3gc5Pc41wPdUx/s5184/R0013752.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C8mAmCBsMfHPtyLkoutlJxnuc2qLPGGdWHjxOXgg9TxZKyPjZ6MXbNVeLbwoDhx7i6PWuin94ylTU3rr5RcjNM78X43s1TOBBIg73ZMMunGZHqDVycVM1U_yVH3fxAUR2IYBLPx7d6Cyjgh9F5WTEC757avcjE-df6ybRWZRk0Y3gc5Pc41wPdUx/w400-h300/R0013752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could have camped over here, but didn't.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYWe-qYOfmi4VZ_dp0ddyQADPXQvGIz6aEbWvwVpnn0WOVqDD40mHdj75SdhytV5o_yaveYhV9rrTcV63UnBjeCS7z-boDGglO987XoTE7Mf8DkUIrph_Ue4udB4sLaeQXI8ojrrS30BMOsVgEqhk-2PPydc12ax-knUmKm5F3efCV2GFbNGFKZnM/s5184/R0013755.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYWe-qYOfmi4VZ_dp0ddyQADPXQvGIz6aEbWvwVpnn0WOVqDD40mHdj75SdhytV5o_yaveYhV9rrTcV63UnBjeCS7z-boDGglO987XoTE7Mf8DkUIrph_Ue4udB4sLaeQXI8ojrrS30BMOsVgEqhk-2PPydc12ax-knUmKm5F3efCV2GFbNGFKZnM/w400-h300/R0013755.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day's hike started off on an easy downhill.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcGjK_HKBPIWC1qQK8yevS9fQoquTLWY9u3Tze6VCnQW2uccuFe7cqUOIH7C_GcYYrJsHUiOfKQXBkqQ9ZNeL_2p8fM0jsAZODx9vkhUP1_fq1dmdKibIGXXsaaxSrOFLMWojW54jJzvoq-GSjfZktTQ69GlS6W0fDhiR7CbI4zbZV8hE3H2YgVwU/s5184/R0013761.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcGjK_HKBPIWC1qQK8yevS9fQoquTLWY9u3Tze6VCnQW2uccuFe7cqUOIH7C_GcYYrJsHUiOfKQXBkqQ9ZNeL_2p8fM0jsAZODx9vkhUP1_fq1dmdKibIGXXsaaxSrOFLMWojW54jJzvoq-GSjfZktTQ69GlS6W0fDhiR7CbI4zbZV8hE3H2YgVwU/w480-h640/R0013761.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ground was damp, but my boots didn't get wet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnOrmZdpD-wk0OZxrJH_q3QxXp1VrkeWNhNXjuy0z_v9L0t3glCPjOJccXFWDmNOvfjWKn5oq8N8NtMfHUhsv0HxqExPkDnEJAcy2Q7W9IDRMfP5NW8ZmMMex5kPoxvETYrm6WLykaakVSkmXB5dW1Q2ERyXFOMbSmxsjZwueYlqDQlJw7my-PCW2/s5184/R0013762.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnOrmZdpD-wk0OZxrJH_q3QxXp1VrkeWNhNXjuy0z_v9L0t3glCPjOJccXFWDmNOvfjWKn5oq8N8NtMfHUhsv0HxqExPkDnEJAcy2Q7W9IDRMfP5NW8ZmMMex5kPoxvETYrm6WLykaakVSkmXB5dW1Q2ERyXFOMbSmxsjZwueYlqDQlJw7my-PCW2/w400-h300/R0013762.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is ready to take that down jacket off (I'm not).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpnVakyW0HqJ9p47FrOq9GXGMOmGSq6FzgP-UclKkKxJ5y8UpADaa3uNVr7tcnL1HIXJ8ATdCkw4UdoXi5fTSNvR6qlUPfZ42b8SM--FBMcferzkwaCcl8L7URKLUyNX_WV9rCgiQD6XdOTuPzC-hEKg_OI7c6T1D-3LZ57Eb5ojvqB876Ax_NME0/s5184/R0013765.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpnVakyW0HqJ9p47FrOq9GXGMOmGSq6FzgP-UclKkKxJ5y8UpADaa3uNVr7tcnL1HIXJ8ATdCkw4UdoXi5fTSNvR6qlUPfZ42b8SM--FBMcferzkwaCcl8L7URKLUyNX_WV9rCgiQD6XdOTuPzC-hEKg_OI7c6T1D-3LZ57Eb5ojvqB876Ax_NME0/w400-h300/R0013765.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to an elevation where the bear grass is in bloom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIPsk_tqhHJuDN7GRlLZcOYqVytCUxlra0_-4j2BAY40oAc3S-mU8tM1NODZjNm4I4mBN5tRJLY79UbiH81tWw_QdbVTJwkTy6a_hhBT2Hh3fYH0bw9kbLil5_dJBinf19S62Zd--aDnvOrPvK_ev3_vWz8clFIidutc4GQ8qgSOEqA57waPHu4rj/s5184/R0013772.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIPsk_tqhHJuDN7GRlLZcOYqVytCUxlra0_-4j2BAY40oAc3S-mU8tM1NODZjNm4I4mBN5tRJLY79UbiH81tWw_QdbVTJwkTy6a_hhBT2Hh3fYH0bw9kbLil5_dJBinf19S62Zd--aDnvOrPvK_ev3_vWz8clFIidutc4GQ8qgSOEqA57waPHu4rj/w400-h300/R0013772.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water under the bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aL9i7_S9X2f3iM84tCys551N4Vsv944yiYi_BAmtDZo6Hz8yWawxokLytMr28zPyMutBKgF6agqPV_xbS8Qw4dFABBL8lmEGyhrxmhA6VOLc1DJRSGM2N4JNfQ3EiBuoS3wGP_OOC8EgL59M31Mwg6xHO9H3PB3Jn07zGP7oECyKswJmUof7PPlB/s5184/R0013779.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aL9i7_S9X2f3iM84tCys551N4Vsv944yiYi_BAmtDZo6Hz8yWawxokLytMr28zPyMutBKgF6agqPV_xbS8Qw4dFABBL8lmEGyhrxmhA6VOLc1DJRSGM2N4JNfQ3EiBuoS3wGP_OOC8EgL59M31Mwg6xHO9H3PB3Jn07zGP7oECyKswJmUof7PPlB/w400-h300/R0013779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few downed trees to navigate on this section of the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7qKSWvVaJtPApq6KCYyTGEIGSiy3sCKl9Yz0ckjE360HU9dyWJCEcNWqOH1u-_HRhvOdFUmKw1znjVMovm6Rtcxq7taltI1fYW2TN15RewXw-9OnLbw0dmyZpxraQSyF_BB0Uqpe6tqjJA77JW25TC1AIbHbuPPyV9D0BIaxgnLl9eG8Ptma5IU-/s5184/R0013783.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7qKSWvVaJtPApq6KCYyTGEIGSiy3sCKl9Yz0ckjE360HU9dyWJCEcNWqOH1u-_HRhvOdFUmKw1znjVMovm6Rtcxq7taltI1fYW2TN15RewXw-9OnLbw0dmyZpxraQSyF_BB0Uqpe6tqjJA77JW25TC1AIbHbuPPyV9D0BIaxgnLl9eG8Ptma5IU-/w400-h300/R0013783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good morning!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaDvkuA-gn0aUu-0WW5LnyutviTTKvaZh4gtuE4Fx2AA-h3FH28awXZ5siEn6x9ziYqNRS8JKh-BGHkd0EWD21wpUFQteG1vOPfGJ8oF9J1-U4Iys4QLTmsa0uS1j3ZcSB6ycKyv1Ar8m4jQFA7QYpeyLWIbpjpNDSR1FpJwOe7d28Mhl1jP7UF-Q/s5184/R0013787.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaDvkuA-gn0aUu-0WW5LnyutviTTKvaZh4gtuE4Fx2AA-h3FH28awXZ5siEn6x9ziYqNRS8JKh-BGHkd0EWD21wpUFQteG1vOPfGJ8oF9J1-U4Iys4QLTmsa0uS1j3ZcSB6ycKyv1Ar8m4jQFA7QYpeyLWIbpjpNDSR1FpJwOe7d28Mhl1jP7UF-Q/w400-h300/R0013787.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another "easy" downed tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyHHLwAa1gQ5Q5AJ3sHBz2iF1kHkDmla7ppc8voEoKuluNEmW0v113bvwF0UnvoAY8ZnzFwkf__LDRLNSsKhAY_8JEI7WreDCtTyDOV7unEftdEOjZ5lyTzXxVIw4_S2g17QP-hTIWLFOBfHKNYJZ-PM4RpM5WTMBGoi7wV_rISgoCLPtXu5A4isp/s5184/R0013793.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyHHLwAa1gQ5Q5AJ3sHBz2iF1kHkDmla7ppc8voEoKuluNEmW0v113bvwF0UnvoAY8ZnzFwkf__LDRLNSsKhAY_8JEI7WreDCtTyDOV7unEftdEOjZ5lyTzXxVIw4_S2g17QP-hTIWLFOBfHKNYJZ-PM4RpM5WTMBGoi7wV_rISgoCLPtXu5A4isp/w400-h300/R0013793.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These thimbleberries aren't even green yet - they're still flowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLV9wOJjha2pxrgLS1Glgyw5ttvV3qHGVICVr5X38kfpzbXlNxupNz_7pjbqFUV0DGjvxxf1u35ZgSx7ERy3N9YFjCdbVs2GxSyUTVk-blDAee-tb6z-5ZfQb04-oMNlxoKjgLfFt4r_zXvjRb56oorIdgIP-V2Jzc778ZDgxuog3d3tsgLz8kMue/s5184/R0013801.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLV9wOJjha2pxrgLS1Glgyw5ttvV3qHGVICVr5X38kfpzbXlNxupNz_7pjbqFUV0DGjvxxf1u35ZgSx7ERy3N9YFjCdbVs2GxSyUTVk-blDAee-tb6z-5ZfQb04-oMNlxoKjgLfFt4r_zXvjRb56oorIdgIP-V2Jzc778ZDgxuog3d3tsgLz8kMue/w400-h300/R0013801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This trail has seen some maintenance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZB-CXJiSn0u-aqRQaWhueXb49SSDbwLHpOOkRA8ZgLx8ELGhY2gkNaC-CzMELDbSfOnntpzs9wvsUpjZl3H9IDCcVcG_SIVblyxJrJ2j2K2t3pAKxhwVz31tNfPTM1qkFTcAylkIubbo1pTM6VVsCVKnTTv_uL8upDaBaKhj5ujDNPQccE3AjTQu/s5184/R0013803.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZB-CXJiSn0u-aqRQaWhueXb49SSDbwLHpOOkRA8ZgLx8ELGhY2gkNaC-CzMELDbSfOnntpzs9wvsUpjZl3H9IDCcVcG_SIVblyxJrJ2j2K2t3pAKxhwVz31tNfPTM1qkFTcAylkIubbo1pTM6VVsCVKnTTv_uL8upDaBaKhj5ujDNPQccE3AjTQu/w400-h300/R0013803.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're almost to the sun...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbPNu4L6wWlHzLsHdGyovfQiqUWdNNO4Tw3vPLSoLFE9DGfSpt7mpth7rmX9NhhOrIYVyx9LVn07wmA8oro3EgJbCMnJRwbtzebjzpzaB0JwLoGOXr-aHRBDEOPeWrkBMmMMwM2hpN5OR-4-_FAE7Jk3KRtafU-CjBjEw9Zu2HU98MzgkJvJuuyMZ/s5184/R0013805.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbPNu4L6wWlHzLsHdGyovfQiqUWdNNO4Tw3vPLSoLFE9DGfSpt7mpth7rmX9NhhOrIYVyx9LVn07wmA8oro3EgJbCMnJRwbtzebjzpzaB0JwLoGOXr-aHRBDEOPeWrkBMmMMwM2hpN5OR-4-_FAE7Jk3KRtafU-CjBjEw9Zu2HU98MzgkJvJuuyMZ/w400-h300/R0013805.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing of Hand Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tluAxUXsRKy0pmsJ8M1wjuzgbeA55-OtpgmzkqBTUvZ4RePDVEhtpWhusGWeX4U4lMbPyxlv-1J8ckLEoHsJUXxwwIS-72WiEna865tPw_mY7mGrF2NLa8-9Wb2og4wWQVLem7ONF-FCEMLi5rYEELmU0YXiIRo8Ji9Jtu6JlrBZ9B3HtUPYWxBX/s5184/R0013816.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tluAxUXsRKy0pmsJ8M1wjuzgbeA55-OtpgmzkqBTUvZ4RePDVEhtpWhusGWeX4U4lMbPyxlv-1J8ckLEoHsJUXxwwIS-72WiEna865tPw_mY7mGrF2NLa8-9Wb2og4wWQVLem7ONF-FCEMLi5rYEELmU0YXiIRo8Ji9Jtu6JlrBZ9B3HtUPYWxBX/w400-h300/R0013816.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't the only ones to cross Hand Creek recently.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMjCSApLdG2UgNEiPUfp7bqcMIpVwxSCkGln1JWDubboRodhr_zOGmc23eR1ysnpyeSyHP2k4RDqIMue6nJxRv7_jspIhuhePdicNQPeY5jQc1zpG8KiVFyTO0k0rIcwQMvbMGMj-P_jfuRrrXzMBBu7X1HG3NbGeUS-p5SSXEcjt87SdpCOE1ER4/s5184/R0013822.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMjCSApLdG2UgNEiPUfp7bqcMIpVwxSCkGln1JWDubboRodhr_zOGmc23eR1ysnpyeSyHP2k4RDqIMue6nJxRv7_jspIhuhePdicNQPeY5jQc1zpG8KiVFyTO0k0rIcwQMvbMGMj-P_jfuRrrXzMBBu7X1HG3NbGeUS-p5SSXEcjt87SdpCOE1ER4/w400-h300/R0013822.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure the peak to the left is Pueblo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fvr47pAYwlQviWl3QPdTVfW3LiLfQXmMM-EHvXUT1Hqhwajx5VgyVmrImx-EMQ5SAZVzLwfFQ8zy4FLKT7KRKWFhc8FYkcyjeXeNPOhsm52HJinpjIf5HRtPnKRifHcXq1f4dr74vHfnNe3uODdc17v5uO5HF7ncBnX_fesknY3DCYfJXnFGrJnr/s5184/R0013829.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fvr47pAYwlQviWl3QPdTVfW3LiLfQXmMM-EHvXUT1Hqhwajx5VgyVmrImx-EMQ5SAZVzLwfFQ8zy4FLKT7KRKWFhc8FYkcyjeXeNPOhsm52HJinpjIf5HRtPnKRifHcXq1f4dr74vHfnNe3uODdc17v5uO5HF7ncBnX_fesknY3DCYfJXnFGrJnr/w400-h300/R0013829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Creek! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhitQ6BdoAqZ8ZU4sUWPaQ6Ox5C6otYO2_91ah8iuIR3bra_WHHXK8P3PzC-6bUn9NsKr29dN0BlpCU0GwAAJh6CHlRv1Cy5y2aIu6BmhfMJY1ROYvnJaZjOWFXcsMgYTVjuk74D1hHoiQ-PHaHhL30d9LbipVk07Y4lGiVmq16du2Nl6dasOsC7Vq/s5184/R0013833.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhitQ6BdoAqZ8ZU4sUWPaQ6Ox5C6otYO2_91ah8iuIR3bra_WHHXK8P3PzC-6bUn9NsKr29dN0BlpCU0GwAAJh6CHlRv1Cy5y2aIu6BmhfMJY1ROYvnJaZjOWFXcsMgYTVjuk74D1hHoiQ-PHaHhL30d9LbipVk07Y4lGiVmq16du2Nl6dasOsC7Vq/w400-h300/R0013833.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started to lose Ambrose while I looked at this fallen tree's roots.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRD7OWh-0bV-Rqn4AZqnjYTbEhpoTnVjD_vDsk5CpT3QqDQA9uWA9i4m6igAkqgGkE858FejsjkxdwnqZEZx8-akZdNJ_Xw7fpqBqGY_TGvUQPsUrNVGec0nFR5yGkq2kG0UiSPdonPOB0aECBMvECZo7SniLqktNIH4DnO3L84oTpHcbdWyg8-ywK/s5184/R0013836.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRD7OWh-0bV-Rqn4AZqnjYTbEhpoTnVjD_vDsk5CpT3QqDQA9uWA9i4m6igAkqgGkE858FejsjkxdwnqZEZx8-akZdNJ_Xw7fpqBqGY_TGvUQPsUrNVGec0nFR5yGkq2kG0UiSPdonPOB0aECBMvECZo7SniLqktNIH4DnO3L84oTpHcbdWyg8-ywK/w400-h300/R0013836.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But he got really far ahead when I tried to get a good picture of these tiny flowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhga3nk1HtcYijaK5P8bDJxAbJSkRFqpbZdvowggEntJDsb-bQGDz0CqiZdAOFs_8Zcx6i2hCRMnmM-fksQ26IIH5pObA0jTyLRSuDWt07GfoCp1z8pxWVY8ARFuHXO7Ya6hu5b8KQm3Bb9e-KlkN_U97TNu1RvucONPpPdYKD_aRhRwPzhSrWSKirm/s5184/R0013843.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhga3nk1HtcYijaK5P8bDJxAbJSkRFqpbZdvowggEntJDsb-bQGDz0CqiZdAOFs_8Zcx6i2hCRMnmM-fksQ26IIH5pObA0jTyLRSuDWt07GfoCp1z8pxWVY8ARFuHXO7Ya6hu5b8KQm3Bb9e-KlkN_U97TNu1RvucONPpPdYKD_aRhRwPzhSrWSKirm/w400-h300/R0013843.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No sign of the junction I remembered.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc54qkPhGPQGV22pWntaeNBEx5_qArJqO9llwofrwTwceYFFmCqRroQaoRPqvvbOEEjm_x032vGKDnjPkqF-kcJNQAV82NQTaCfBG0S-SUpkmrwp0OeDArBfxpIPeAohC-0pBpbXRL2Se5MsTZMWDM6dJiAGBoYaiJ6rvd9ybBDBF7JTRnAfAFQWXr/s5184/R0013845.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc54qkPhGPQGV22pWntaeNBEx5_qArJqO9llwofrwTwceYFFmCqRroQaoRPqvvbOEEjm_x032vGKDnjPkqF-kcJNQAV82NQTaCfBG0S-SUpkmrwp0OeDArBfxpIPeAohC-0pBpbXRL2Se5MsTZMWDM6dJiAGBoYaiJ6rvd9ybBDBF7JTRnAfAFQWXr/w400-h300/R0013845.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the trail. Yes, just right over those logs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dGpw2KDP9paLXMzRPyvIe5vnrViYj7QmXEHplh-puFIOprHhl0gyrCtA7IYHd-gdRkkkPI3BKsKkOfZsx526Oynh1jjWcn2N4_TBecYlFV6hfn1hVSfOgfIp-3etrmpryRFI5Bp1_CLjIY3KsSeRmdJTeJC0w5URJ0ngavs85zmAhAsdQKTC-lHm/s5184/R0013847.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dGpw2KDP9paLXMzRPyvIe5vnrViYj7QmXEHplh-puFIOprHhl0gyrCtA7IYHd-gdRkkkPI3BKsKkOfZsx526Oynh1jjWcn2N4_TBecYlFV6hfn1hVSfOgfIp-3etrmpryRFI5Bp1_CLjIY3KsSeRmdJTeJC0w5URJ0ngavs85zmAhAsdQKTC-lHm/w400-h300/R0013847.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll have to trust me that this was trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpBUGznQZbxQET-QhgnkQorciAkeUkpD7PUUIbfj2I5ujVBQgFb4NmqTwaxe3iUYfE3I10MDsDQAFFx2jgEjSKP9eyif41Nw4JjpIJxccGRTp9zFzeAhy4VaknwB8ajossqqvHaXFRxp6CS_jP5WnWEqhdQIKAN1rJQdW5CuViSW5__i4pOgBIh8p/s5184/R0013849.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpBUGznQZbxQET-QhgnkQorciAkeUkpD7PUUIbfj2I5ujVBQgFb4NmqTwaxe3iUYfE3I10MDsDQAFFx2jgEjSKP9eyif41Nw4JjpIJxccGRTp9zFzeAhy4VaknwB8ajossqqvHaXFRxp6CS_jP5WnWEqhdQIKAN1rJQdW5CuViSW5__i4pOgBIh8p/w400-h300/R0013849.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose getting ready to cross Beaver Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB4PhvhiCI6Cj8FGpUEyCltjPIwyqPwbPRm6a2LjbhVzUNcQA3HBYABXeFJhCTNH3Wh84nRyv_Gg5cvet4nlk9lgXcLlL1gH6s_MBYh3SYJ6fL7kf24wmTk7mJ9AaYGMsRprpd_H4lxyyvYy_8-LPV0x1VkIRXrWbo8UQ3dkMisIG4PGw1SQHm_dW/s5184/R0013850.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB4PhvhiCI6Cj8FGpUEyCltjPIwyqPwbPRm6a2LjbhVzUNcQA3HBYABXeFJhCTNH3Wh84nRyv_Gg5cvet4nlk9lgXcLlL1gH6s_MBYh3SYJ6fL7kf24wmTk7mJ9AaYGMsRprpd_H4lxyyvYy_8-LPV0x1VkIRXrWbo8UQ3dkMisIG4PGw1SQHm_dW/w400-h300/R0013850.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Creek wasn't very deep, but it was quite swift.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVcvT3ilLmgaT7-zlTUHnO1FZYtZljizJmXVgtZOu2-uTuzZyKMcOdGWq44CRmss7dDoQtTlepB5z4UEaVF6qdTveFUyd8fHx0X-FN-HraWwoRb3OhealEKbTg0mOrbV9O_2MeoUKxYewPbr-buQmk2wdcQkdvQhcv6KN25yFvdIy9nfNfr5wcXv2/s5184/R0013854.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVcvT3ilLmgaT7-zlTUHnO1FZYtZljizJmXVgtZOu2-uTuzZyKMcOdGWq44CRmss7dDoQtTlepB5z4UEaVF6qdTveFUyd8fHx0X-FN-HraWwoRb3OhealEKbTg0mOrbV9O_2MeoUKxYewPbr-buQmk2wdcQkdvQhcv6KN25yFvdIy9nfNfr5wcXv2/w400-h300/R0013854.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail on this side started out difficult.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHH_qx4n9GbNLSZv0WdnFtc7Hr2Y_vwkvNZtIZwQIItxMIIPPa3wPEymCd2mp8Gma0mJK8o5KI1NgsmUYdkUnV8KjpmGBin9wxquZ2JoYscpjMZRAgGugVRMP0aARqkSJmJpwIUHSl2ND5s2Mma0_gz7NrInuxWMHdYepDq9f6Lv0c5FiFM8XC96tz/s5184/R0013858.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHH_qx4n9GbNLSZv0WdnFtc7Hr2Y_vwkvNZtIZwQIItxMIIPPa3wPEymCd2mp8Gma0mJK8o5KI1NgsmUYdkUnV8KjpmGBin9wxquZ2JoYscpjMZRAgGugVRMP0aARqkSJmJpwIUHSl2ND5s2Mma0_gz7NrInuxWMHdYepDq9f6Lv0c5FiFM8XC96tz/w400-h300/R0013858.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then the trail got a bit easier. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ8I8z1hM3SJh5VPOP966rBjrARXhq-G9wqy29fh33Mfk_CYea4mH52MXZ8B58odrv2r0gHC3oE3KQUdXcl15zvW2SCHQ-IXF9vtCnDWF3hOWjgRwOUec6CS7rmlbgKBz3FqXjzGk41GqpsnzLC81nBkrsm-ZBm79dczyYKJLTYBUsHt3_WxZ9TMV/s5184/R0013864.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ8I8z1hM3SJh5VPOP966rBjrARXhq-G9wqy29fh33Mfk_CYea4mH52MXZ8B58odrv2r0gHC3oE3KQUdXcl15zvW2SCHQ-IXF9vtCnDWF3hOWjgRwOUec6CS7rmlbgKBz3FqXjzGk41GqpsnzLC81nBkrsm-ZBm79dczyYKJLTYBUsHt3_WxZ9TMV/w400-h300/R0013864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though the trail still had challenges for us, following it wasn't one.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ1CawY7jsqHMx3AuiSMO0uj7kcecmlwHdgs8KfIWN4D-o2fhK8zlXn8Olcb2v7CXbrzT1wt5J3tGgvsGRjB57D2qt_b-u8V6dIAMuRIB8uLTvythufVKTrlbh2R4e1Cyz7XZPPWnxZJmo4RxZLLXSItAPLKqfTrV0FOeym9v6yjMn_n4DhoaXCmY/s5184/R0013873.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZ1CawY7jsqHMx3AuiSMO0uj7kcecmlwHdgs8KfIWN4D-o2fhK8zlXn8Olcb2v7CXbrzT1wt5J3tGgvsGRjB57D2qt_b-u8V6dIAMuRIB8uLTvythufVKTrlbh2R4e1Cyz7XZPPWnxZJmo4RxZLLXSItAPLKqfTrV0FOeym9v6yjMn_n4DhoaXCmY/w400-h300/R0013873.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With every step, I'm hoping we're through the worst of it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRNfHb2SguL1agc76hfA7Og_ENj8JPoL-Bk5oqwzAr0MBcLOOYgtCbmhH0n8w0V_Yg95QT4NCJ2thR38LazEjhJ35ae_zroYdGTpwzbAoRY2Xtl9yF6-egL90CKgXoyYwks3R0_uDYB6bCXI979TCbDvBw-5Aryy7E2zxE7xuJ76-QLnmeAncrft1/s5184/R0013881.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRNfHb2SguL1agc76hfA7Og_ENj8JPoL-Bk5oqwzAr0MBcLOOYgtCbmhH0n8w0V_Yg95QT4NCJ2thR38LazEjhJ35ae_zroYdGTpwzbAoRY2Xtl9yF6-egL90CKgXoyYwks3R0_uDYB6bCXI979TCbDvBw-5Aryy7E2zxE7xuJ76-QLnmeAncrft1/w400-h300/R0013881.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would have packed this out, but it's grown into the tree. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXXN3y5FmyvnD-yBN9_yMF4_NnQ6GSyXxuA0d3CP7O3K_eT1G5nRdgBwxx3KsZM6IVHIFeeGeQUqC-82QQMv2SKtgbwHSN9g_bHXuyPoXGCh1x9npKExsKFjdBv1WyE_grPMIpBzOEM3bftLfFm2uYJhhwPfomNIeZN9VCWGRzsN-jqXWE3h2ButO/s5184/R0013886.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXXN3y5FmyvnD-yBN9_yMF4_NnQ6GSyXxuA0d3CP7O3K_eT1G5nRdgBwxx3KsZM6IVHIFeeGeQUqC-82QQMv2SKtgbwHSN9g_bHXuyPoXGCh1x9npKExsKFjdBv1WyE_grPMIpBzOEM3bftLfFm2uYJhhwPfomNIeZN9VCWGRzsN-jqXWE3h2ButO/w400-h300/R0013886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These rocks are not trail, but the trail had a lot of tree. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIWEDOC1Wc71_R9btcluZHU0fmHSg00SaT8GtSpD2A-qMDPPDxf5zNL8PNuj2sj4zeowwk7xPv8J_VdfsnsVHt9s9mOzHAciZb-K4qsWiIhn-ICpKF9mqM83I9zm2x7jHlsNw3mNwd7gGVJhtX5qsF7I1MrniSEJbsnk6UcaCxmx6QhT9WxpxN-7H/s5184/R0013888.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIWEDOC1Wc71_R9btcluZHU0fmHSg00SaT8GtSpD2A-qMDPPDxf5zNL8PNuj2sj4zeowwk7xPv8J_VdfsnsVHt9s9mOzHAciZb-K4qsWiIhn-ICpKF9mqM83I9zm2x7jHlsNw3mNwd7gGVJhtX5qsF7I1MrniSEJbsnk6UcaCxmx6QhT9WxpxN-7H/w400-h300/R0013888.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Ambrose and I took the high road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9zARe8tMChpsplb2K37Wb_8-oOt-z1QxwX-oCOs5krNc8wxqWhN512D3xzb7w0KYpZlQSypKAtukjCXYABOotw1tOTeEGzNg3gz4EiXHG5fSBOqq_qzckAQqxyYL4E8timljpj0O7otl2l10IVfEJcupNIbvDAqP6zknO9f9zZMLyHwglLZbF5DG/s5184/R0013894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9zARe8tMChpsplb2K37Wb_8-oOt-z1QxwX-oCOs5krNc8wxqWhN512D3xzb7w0KYpZlQSypKAtukjCXYABOotw1tOTeEGzNg3gz4EiXHG5fSBOqq_qzckAQqxyYL4E8timljpj0O7otl2l10IVfEJcupNIbvDAqP6zknO9f9zZMLyHwglLZbF5DG/w400-h300/R0013894.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But then we went back to the low road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa3NCwoFqvNY4lQTDhI5DUiXmpez3rqubU8bcSRMNyHPnxxBbvWxm-O6C1ZZeJP2bK5TvGpSTjeFVXg6T63TX2-KA8-pE-5ktCW0WBsPmfoFgRHXfTjpMSXEF4KVqaoZCLVOsjG1bjUaZhINxXaTRrSx7pzRpttUUn3ir-I8bmr7l8BaDhWf_D7EI/s5184/R0013897.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa3NCwoFqvNY4lQTDhI5DUiXmpez3rqubU8bcSRMNyHPnxxBbvWxm-O6C1ZZeJP2bK5TvGpSTjeFVXg6T63TX2-KA8-pE-5ktCW0WBsPmfoFgRHXfTjpMSXEF4KVqaoZCLVOsjG1bjUaZhINxXaTRrSx7pzRpttUUn3ir-I8bmr7l8BaDhWf_D7EI/w400-h300/R0013897.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose - with pack off - slides through a gap between two trunks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3-2EJK-d8yFx-zV3ttbQuFesyGXsVNW0uqAtkNEu2QaFTmzCjBqnidLNhfwEd2Cclm350gdPElIhy3mll2piedJmgHzLKJCbC4eYT0Rzggeam8DfTwc7BgeYElDwd5GfrR9-FtZqAP9MHjmaoQU6ZB2LGdYIM6vWWqaqcIOXWfdnnk6kYQ2CftYV/s5184/R0013900.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3-2EJK-d8yFx-zV3ttbQuFesyGXsVNW0uqAtkNEu2QaFTmzCjBqnidLNhfwEd2Cclm350gdPElIhy3mll2piedJmgHzLKJCbC4eYT0Rzggeam8DfTwc7BgeYElDwd5GfrR9-FtZqAP9MHjmaoQU6ZB2LGdYIM6vWWqaqcIOXWfdnnk6kYQ2CftYV/w400-h300/R0013900.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green huckleberries, alas.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDmgaSi65ACjcEvfRATL8n9HGzE8DVkVGp7XKZ1WLetZieTNom26zfCsyp3gcMkWM2QULqBbsvKx-m4urB2lRAk4nPPUo0VMTLhWFNP9OE9Jvk_Ii26Q7Pw1nWOb1Y2_ZuyORMzc6xUwkZJhsZeY-giXV7iyfXglK6jG4zy9zKpdR7NumU8yrlFnW/s5184/R0013908.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDmgaSi65ACjcEvfRATL8n9HGzE8DVkVGp7XKZ1WLetZieTNom26zfCsyp3gcMkWM2QULqBbsvKx-m4urB2lRAk4nPPUo0VMTLhWFNP9OE9Jvk_Ii26Q7Pw1nWOb1Y2_ZuyORMzc6xUwkZJhsZeY-giXV7iyfXglK6jG4zy9zKpdR7NumU8yrlFnW/w400-h300/R0013908.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More flowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpTYvfPePAc_3Ztkeg0iV-I9iQvibH9fRIHh3xbvXYBMLKo0wzhNzEp7dIyuCqxyD4Kzts4O-bzPz3T2-GzDpUim7n_xFdVQyQyUSwlcE8SiFAK1X6KD4ctvVN0BVMChgfmLzJWxGDbVjxIdDTnDeMXsY4UgNs5QBo9nbD--oQgvdwdeG_kNwIVEp/s5184/R0013912.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpTYvfPePAc_3Ztkeg0iV-I9iQvibH9fRIHh3xbvXYBMLKo0wzhNzEp7dIyuCqxyD4Kzts4O-bzPz3T2-GzDpUim7n_xFdVQyQyUSwlcE8SiFAK1X6KD4ctvVN0BVMChgfmLzJWxGDbVjxIdDTnDeMXsY4UgNs5QBo9nbD--oQgvdwdeG_kNwIVEp/w400-h300/R0013912.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now the trail is on the rocks, yay!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8PQ-iglAUZrdSSGV2xbMHRYXP5URHR8k4GWlp4hPQ3JKnCos8SGuq8aFsuOPx4F7cBIIUewHdc1HRx6Gwr4rgdjOEv23sDIIzfu6pD1IVnUPV0aYm87KVh35SCYyMaU4HiT2-6Hh6PUP_PyS0rVnhJAwOwvJNdaA3AoYgpuiAs3KzL93pnwEeWkR/s5184/R0013917.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8PQ-iglAUZrdSSGV2xbMHRYXP5URHR8k4GWlp4hPQ3JKnCos8SGuq8aFsuOPx4F7cBIIUewHdc1HRx6Gwr4rgdjOEv23sDIIzfu6pD1IVnUPV0aYm87KVh35SCYyMaU4HiT2-6Hh6PUP_PyS0rVnhJAwOwvJNdaA3AoYgpuiAs3KzL93pnwEeWkR/w400-h300/R0013917.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except it gets bad again when it goes into the shade of the trees.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSh6uv7YII_sZ_IIS-aZG7_RkRTrp97oh7cHUCA5XDqyW0qaGFI4hCqfYjaZfgFezxA_2NMcHcunnKiEv7NsshF2TRaxhfA5a23WyVrHSkDyu_igm-OM_F1PEt1WXd4i1xOc-6tcV7UOLBzfwZoQUP_sYkXfTN6l7qZeNwWli-fa5zBE0vBtMvIQw/s5184/R0013922.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSh6uv7YII_sZ_IIS-aZG7_RkRTrp97oh7cHUCA5XDqyW0qaGFI4hCqfYjaZfgFezxA_2NMcHcunnKiEv7NsshF2TRaxhfA5a23WyVrHSkDyu_igm-OM_F1PEt1WXd4i1xOc-6tcV7UOLBzfwZoQUP_sYkXfTN6l7qZeNwWli-fa5zBE0vBtMvIQw/w400-h300/R0013922.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose starts heading back the way we came after lunch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHahmuLed8d12WvX99vo_hyVRf0_aKifHDkZqE0EyPdNVn8_83PiidTY6zpPbUxwDmOwXwTjM5GFrB9xqHM7Hw0cIMOvZjJnmg0_B1DsauyCtIFGLldHsMlZm635akCVCBJlLwiZ2h2SvMDSC4QMm5vXSUh8bZcWA1eJuXhxQ88UpTiMYfo84NzCWe/s5184/R0013923.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHahmuLed8d12WvX99vo_hyVRf0_aKifHDkZqE0EyPdNVn8_83PiidTY6zpPbUxwDmOwXwTjM5GFrB9xqHM7Hw0cIMOvZjJnmg0_B1DsauyCtIFGLldHsMlZm635akCVCBJlLwiZ2h2SvMDSC4QMm5vXSUh8bZcWA1eJuXhxQ88UpTiMYfo84NzCWe/w400-h300/R0013923.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate in the shade, right by the water.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGPtcyDxNsaCSLL5lfZI63jv1YTFtvEIZp9U-821xDHFIVlsn0OyaO7kSDgZ2SuAzsPZ5cm5tBYLG7FuqYIUo9GT6Sm_FIw7abB6FCuvdEOnQdQ2ss7ftJhwq40vUV5TzNiOG6u_sdPJFIze1P7LvMauCqlBquCEcnnW1cACESgAuKe_L1SZHyawC/s5184/R0013925.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGPtcyDxNsaCSLL5lfZI63jv1YTFtvEIZp9U-821xDHFIVlsn0OyaO7kSDgZ2SuAzsPZ5cm5tBYLG7FuqYIUo9GT6Sm_FIw7abB6FCuvdEOnQdQ2ss7ftJhwq40vUV5TzNiOG6u_sdPJFIze1P7LvMauCqlBquCEcnnW1cACESgAuKe_L1SZHyawC/w400-h300/R0013925.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to give this path a try.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsVRWslD1LwZ0BDWD20K4dTETmzjYYQ9DODPoGBfOjVuEitpWRHpb8jmPkUR50SmwhyPke5UecqU-fX6Z0ZaohYOgQ4jsTb1A2iuv8MJdJ82WfS7SigIqtSYqWsENhMiYV4hsd-JNfeepCyYt-5c3_nWel2u2_B05wCZpHJ5KqwYb-LQV5JBtNdzp/s5184/R0013926.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsVRWslD1LwZ0BDWD20K4dTETmzjYYQ9DODPoGBfOjVuEitpWRHpb8jmPkUR50SmwhyPke5UecqU-fX6Z0ZaohYOgQ4jsTb1A2iuv8MJdJ82WfS7SigIqtSYqWsENhMiYV4hsd-JNfeepCyYt-5c3_nWel2u2_B05wCZpHJ5KqwYb-LQV5JBtNdzp/w400-h300/R0013926.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it's a good thing I did!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj9oPWemd44HYN2lbvd4-FPjPx3SNbAoUtET6NwFF4TrrROOj3oB-bPPZqL3VAXoZS1u_DisuTupH-WUqvhMm7JVGCKsynLfzYVtWp_Lc-iqIE5y-WK__VqK0rNxaESqRCwexBanP4zJuIZWNbl5LASN2LoegieJV1PQkEJsQQlisQ2Rtgkftftrm/s5184/R0013927.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj9oPWemd44HYN2lbvd4-FPjPx3SNbAoUtET6NwFF4TrrROOj3oB-bPPZqL3VAXoZS1u_DisuTupH-WUqvhMm7JVGCKsynLfzYVtWp_Lc-iqIE5y-WK__VqK0rNxaESqRCwexBanP4zJuIZWNbl5LASN2LoegieJV1PQkEJsQQlisQ2Rtgkftftrm/w400-h300/R0013927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The biggest building we found at Golden Hand Mine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CHTALuHg_ALM9awMYWP27HrMUaNU2fY6bH2X-2p_cuPSAEhBk4hitXlNqK4O7qbxnFwxUy_4qTTmjjUpd6z6TAKUsv8U1Kd8elPZUUeVRCkEdEpgrZDhaoIZZCcIXWxNbHJ1CzTpkyh-d65D7zSnTC_QcDbQTaroUFIxkLhOBu-xFO9WaDTL_9_Q/s5184/R0013931.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CHTALuHg_ALM9awMYWP27HrMUaNU2fY6bH2X-2p_cuPSAEhBk4hitXlNqK4O7qbxnFwxUy_4qTTmjjUpd6z6TAKUsv8U1Kd8elPZUUeVRCkEdEpgrZDhaoIZZCcIXWxNbHJ1CzTpkyh-d65D7zSnTC_QcDbQTaroUFIxkLhOBu-xFO9WaDTL_9_Q/w400-h300/R0013931.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the rear entrance, which was the only usable one.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFBBDvjytgh0KyWLuxRvj4llRO5LU4uV-zgDOpGVxoDieIibpLPjAyqZgbs4cSZWivS-tP5Xg-UAJ110bEvKWs-MP40gK4ehlCQK4ddQudYDBz_mmaIbU_QNRBeGTfTGNNoxidgoyKE6BZI1c6rLSJbRgLinEiR0eO5E1twaYcpZd4H5JueeSbSzF/s5184/R0013933.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFBBDvjytgh0KyWLuxRvj4llRO5LU4uV-zgDOpGVxoDieIibpLPjAyqZgbs4cSZWivS-tP5Xg-UAJ110bEvKWs-MP40gK4ehlCQK4ddQudYDBz_mmaIbU_QNRBeGTfTGNNoxidgoyKE6BZI1c6rLSJbRgLinEiR0eO5E1twaYcpZd4H5JueeSbSzF/w400-h300/R0013933.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the interior looked pretty solid.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QqVOGCASK1skZgPwnDcJbo9o-POYRVexLwXlURhEiZ10iHrrQ3_R34M9Tm8oXy2qm8wWsHumzkthIdxeNErOHlxBzUkOOWLB_G_iyCsr98CRWjrUjkRldNHtn7OI2WQVP4RaKh44OBgFnPrpE_4kQmC6bC_Ptb9vVuvdA5ZGpu2rvWeOxGqHrgJE/s5184/R0013937.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QqVOGCASK1skZgPwnDcJbo9o-POYRVexLwXlURhEiZ10iHrrQ3_R34M9Tm8oXy2qm8wWsHumzkthIdxeNErOHlxBzUkOOWLB_G_iyCsr98CRWjrUjkRldNHtn7OI2WQVP4RaKh44OBgFnPrpE_4kQmC6bC_Ptb9vVuvdA5ZGpu2rvWeOxGqHrgJE/w400-h300/R0013937.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know that I'd sleep in that bed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn4FYkFi1LBTcppFxqkfUwrIPAKLAAXtAduBxL0K-wI8fq3MR2wnPnThY3Qp_WpCX4EPATv9lGD_YHHTQ1C_7c07COZqpkDqkwvWaoA0PKQgIADpLI7tnrGskA5RnA6ayY8XwXw7Qph9o4D8bRHvC7QFFgvPSbomyTvH9P0x4p46OPJhkX84J5OFb/s5184/R0013941.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn4FYkFi1LBTcppFxqkfUwrIPAKLAAXtAduBxL0K-wI8fq3MR2wnPnThY3Qp_WpCX4EPATv9lGD_YHHTQ1C_7c07COZqpkDqkwvWaoA0PKQgIADpLI7tnrGskA5RnA6ayY8XwXw7Qph9o4D8bRHvC7QFFgvPSbomyTvH9P0x4p46OPJhkX84J5OFb/w400-h300/R0013941.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't jam this door open any farther.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9US49mWY8DevF2_2A18RaKm5u8QJBVYgzglghCy2WnZ0ldqQu-24kJ-GzXWHajdlRP2NuGbZmx1Bf8sudzqcAxFCY9DkZdPIfaxjiAuMTygL-ValzMQ_OtqkLZAVyrgahcukzoQVH2Z-_gI_DqoWrjppdLqtlSnW9aWZDZ-RCXK_wRWaUIUkMUqb_/s5184/R0013942.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9US49mWY8DevF2_2A18RaKm5u8QJBVYgzglghCy2WnZ0ldqQu-24kJ-GzXWHajdlRP2NuGbZmx1Bf8sudzqcAxFCY9DkZdPIfaxjiAuMTygL-ValzMQ_OtqkLZAVyrgahcukzoQVH2Z-_gI_DqoWrjppdLqtlSnW9aWZDZ-RCXK_wRWaUIUkMUqb_/w400-h300/R0013942.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These stairs made me nervous.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGveEwaVIjBaKO1S35_AhGa2Bw5z6heEFV3L2yB9w_g17N86kwg0krgVEgWb96EYnvRv3FPfoJmGIAqsLYeAaeDOQGIs7MVizWXBv_b4MDQeZXLr7SJSxO49Pdwx7uPV79CCNTwG7V6h_LiA16jNk771AksoWJgcax_oN_Yv_UveiZCpk_pss6MVsb/s5184/R0013948.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGveEwaVIjBaKO1S35_AhGa2Bw5z6heEFV3L2yB9w_g17N86kwg0krgVEgWb96EYnvRv3FPfoJmGIAqsLYeAaeDOQGIs7MVizWXBv_b4MDQeZXLr7SJSxO49Pdwx7uPV79CCNTwG7V6h_LiA16jNk771AksoWJgcax_oN_Yv_UveiZCpk_pss6MVsb/w400-h300/R0013948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very old, not at all cold, refridgerator.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-y2AOOsScHykqWWf4lT1WwDc-Bxdmt5pvoZ_MXxL0PYCQi2KsbrjF2NLP2Mw5fDPb5itxzaHxieKa78ESZIedY6dMKsxKiwm6I9triH0pFOvzXLMSH0F5fse7Y4YHeRyk-PJ81bCNa_gmXjsO1dXwEsVBbMhoNX9AufFuq5ztYY3PYYRuRV1sHAI/s5184/R0013949.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-y2AOOsScHykqWWf4lT1WwDc-Bxdmt5pvoZ_MXxL0PYCQi2KsbrjF2NLP2Mw5fDPb5itxzaHxieKa78ESZIedY6dMKsxKiwm6I9triH0pFOvzXLMSH0F5fse7Y4YHeRyk-PJ81bCNa_gmXjsO1dXwEsVBbMhoNX9AufFuq5ztYY3PYYRuRV1sHAI/w400-h300/R0013949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cage - to keep something in or something out?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HTrj53NFHltJkKSKPY58uql-8AFJ-njC5xcurDAHf_trU1SbFUeL9dljX2M2TFCY4KxV0-10ITHmeliYFhxFhv2eAtVkVyPPrVXI_MvHSTwbx7KdLzPI1TB1l_1oeBeFOilQ8yurlvMSfmArsuW_emgidXivw-3YuSLBd7G4eo8KR-6cedz5wK-R/s5184/R0013954.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HTrj53NFHltJkKSKPY58uql-8AFJ-njC5xcurDAHf_trU1SbFUeL9dljX2M2TFCY4KxV0-10ITHmeliYFhxFhv2eAtVkVyPPrVXI_MvHSTwbx7KdLzPI1TB1l_1oeBeFOilQ8yurlvMSfmArsuW_emgidXivw-3YuSLBd7G4eo8KR-6cedz5wK-R/w400-h300/R0013954.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the building - that door no longer opens, though one could get inside via a big hole in the wall. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-37351158847136738292022-09-14T08:00:00.117-06:002022-09-14T09:35:31.957-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 5<p>I hoped we weren’t disturbing the ICT hiker when our alarm went off, but surely he also needed to get going relatively early. He had said he hiked slow, but that means different things to different people. He was just starting to stir when I got out of the tent, and he didn’t emerge before Ambrose and I were ready. We left with a cursory goodbye as Clay was still getting packed up. The sun wasn’t over our horizon, but it was bright enough to hike without headlamps. </p><p>Bright, and cold. While our nights on the high lakes and ridges had been unusually warm, we now woke up to a light rime of frost on the ground. Even Ambrose wore his down jacket as we started our hike. </p><p>Chamberlain Creek was lovely as we hiked over the bridge, and I made sure I could find the junction that we’d taken last time. This time we’d be going straight on to Lodgepole Creek, a route we’ve taken several times before. It’s five miles from Chamberlain to the next source of water, and it can be a beast, especially in the afternoon. In the mornings, not so bad. </p><p>Unfortunately for Ambrose, who I know wanted to test his new speed against this known section of trail, I was not feeling great. My feet were feeling tender, and my body just wasn’t feeling great. Neither of us were going to be in shape to make the extra 2 miles of hiking to get to Crane Meadows, so we reverted back to what our original plan had been, which was a campsite just off the trail near the junction to Crane Meadows. I mean, I still kind of wanted to do go to the meadow, but I also felt like I’d been wrung out by the day we hiked to Sheepeater Lake and hadn’t had a chance to recover. Ambrose felt the same. </p><p>And so, we made our way towards where Lodgepole Creek crossed our trail slowly. I pushed myself past the point where I wanted to ask for an early break several times that morning. I misplaced where I was on the trail, and how close we were to the creek, several times. I knew we had the first big climb, and then a little saddle to switch ridges. Then switchbacks up. </p><p>But my memory elided several sections. Long sections. It seemed, at times, like an entirely new trail rather than one I’d hiked before. I found myself growing frustrated with myself for how slow I needed to go. I just wanted to be there now so we could get on to the next section of the hike, from Lodgepole to the four-way junction, and then especially on to the section after that, which we’d only hiked once before on our very first foray into the River of No Return Wilderness. Alas, there were more switchbacks to hike up. More ridges to traverse. More, more, more!</p><p>I wanted more breaks. I wanted longer breaks. I was not feeling happy about not being the leader, and I was not feeling happy about hiking together. Not because I didn’t like being near Ambrose, I did and do like that. I just wanted to be able to hike ahead and take extra breaks like I used to when Ambrose wasn’t as fast. I am happy that he is hiking faster, but I had no idea how much harder hiking would be for me without those extra breaks. </p><p>I think Ambrose was feeling a bit of frustration as well, maybe with the trail, maybe with my lackluster performance. It was break time, but neither of us really wanted to stop because we both thought that Lodgepole Creek was “just around the next bend.” This was a bad idea, skipping a break. We know this. But we kept hiking. Because “just around the next bend!” </p><p>Pro tip: If I ever tell you that something’s just around the next bend when we’re backpacking together, know that this means essentially nothing. It could indeed be around the next bend. Or it could be ten bends down the line, the truth is no one knows. </p><p>This time was one of the longer ones… It took us nearly two hours to actually arrive at the creek. So, we proved that we can hike when we’re a bit worn out for two hours without a break. But then we had a stupid fight at the creek over the water filtering, basically over semantics and the understanding of who was doing what. I was feeling a bit of a time crunch with the break times that Ambrose was giving me, so I was out of sorts. And, of course, we both needed to eat. </p><p>The next section of the trail also seemed to stretch out way farther than I remember it being. I do think that it was rerouted since our very first time, but we’ve definitely hiked it along this route before. It’s just long, and a lot of it has little to no shade. It’s a relief when the trees start getting tall enough to cast a bit of shade, but the real relief doesn’t come until we enter the old growth forest that didn’t burn. It’s pretty amazing to walk into that old forest and feel how not only the air temperature but the very texture of the trail changes. It gets softer and even a bit moister, good healthy dirt, instead of packed sandy dirt. </p><p>The softer surface was a relief on my feet. They’d start to ache about 20 minutes after a break ended, and I’d just grit it out until the next break. The nice thing about the Softstar boots was that the break really did make my feet feel better. With prior boots, once my feet started hurting for the day, they’d hurt for the rest of the day. I think it’s because they have room for my feet to be swollen, so I don’t have that constant compression happening anymore. </p><p>Once we got to the old growth forest, it wasn’t far to the four-way junction, which is where we wanted to stop for lunch. </p><p>I took my boots off since Ambrose said he wasn’t in a hurry. It’s actually quite nice to do a boots-off break at lunch I’ve discovered. Now that I’ve got natural foot shaped boots, my feet don’t need to get out because they need a break from tight boots, but just to cool off a bit. And get a bit of massage as thanks for their hard work. </p><p>After lunch, we started down the eastern branch of the junction. It was, as I remembered it, a nice bit of trail. Its only failing is that there’s no water, though this time we came across a small streamlet that I absolutely would have used if I’d found it the first time. I’d call it desperation water. </p><p>That section also took longer than I wanted it to. It meanders around Hand Meadow, never really giving any views of it. My understanding is the trail used to go through Hand Meadow, but after a fire many years ago, they rerouted it to allow the elk more undisturbed habitat. There is a section of trail where the meadows are a little in view, but I didn’t really look this time. That would have meant looking back, and I was very, very focused on moving forward at this point. I just wanted to get there and be done for the day and maybe take a nap. Judging by the amount of scat we saw, the elk are appreciating the trail reroute.</p><p>The trail makes a turn when it leaves the Hand Meadows area, and I remembered climbing up the side of the ridge the first time we came by here, looking for a place to dig a hole. After we passed by that section, I knew that I had to keep an eye out to find our campsite. </p><p>I was looking around at everything, looking for the camping spot that I found the first time we hiked up. It was down from the trail, away from the junction and had good access to water. What more would we need? </p><p>I thought I’d spotted it at one point, but I wasn’t certain, so we kept hiking. That was the correct choice, because a bit farther on I saw it for sure. At last! Camp! Finally! We made our way down from the trail and dumped all our stuff at the first shady spot. </p><p>Yeah, turns out that was practically on top of an ant hill so we ended up moving from there.</p><p>I went to get water while Ambrose took a nap in some shade he found a bit up on the hill. I got the water bags filled, but I was getting a bit stupid with exhaustion/hunger. I had a bit of trouble figuring out where to hang the bags for gravity filtering. After his nap, Ambrose was refreshed enough to step in and help me. I clearly needed to eat. So, I found some shade of my own and cracked open my chocolate almond butter. </p><p>I hadn’t brought this particular nut butter out backpacking before exactly. It’s by Noosh, and last year we had brought out single serving packets of it. I like the flavor and texture, very smooth for almond butter. So instead of getting a bunch of little singles, this year we just got a jar. The only problem was that it needed stirring! The oil had separated and there was nothing to do but get to work stirring – carefully. I didn’t want to spill any of the oil. Those were the calories I really needed! After much stirring, I decided it was good enough to eat and got to work. It’s very calorie dense, and that’s just what I was looking for on that day. </p><p>After I got replenished with food and water, I found a place to set up the tent. There were less options that I’d thought there would be, but part of that was because of the ants. I prefer not to disturb those kinds of habitats if I can avoid it. I ended up relatively close to the fire ring, with a log as a border. I was almost done setting up the tent when I realized Ambrose was just sitting in the shade watching me when he could be taking picture of me! So, I took a brief break from pitching to go put the camera in his hand and demand a photo shoot while I finished up. He obliged. </p><p>Then we chased the shade, and worked hard on recovery. That meant eating and drinking for both of us, and some self-massage for me. I try to rub CBD balm into my feet every night when backpacking. The massaging helps my feet feel better, and the balm helps keep hot spots from developing into blisters. As soon as the tent was in shade, we retreated inside, eager to get a good night’s sleep – especially since we planned to sleep in a bit.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJs3XXsQIp--c0Z54V6ntPAlY-xF53W1ps6w2jxBzC1gnV7AHmdijCKyDAfKQgcb5PCFylcrQW1-2fR0_c0aIZ7rnxXMqsRE3ecRzYl74v4ASr226AjYM-QUWszOIuo2RygB1cR2A-AY4ebAh2ZnGYosZ1VXMYdYOufmHVEFu5YSaGdXOvpDINng2/s5184/R0013637.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJs3XXsQIp--c0Z54V6ntPAlY-xF53W1ps6w2jxBzC1gnV7AHmdijCKyDAfKQgcb5PCFylcrQW1-2fR0_c0aIZ7rnxXMqsRE3ecRzYl74v4ASr226AjYM-QUWszOIuo2RygB1cR2A-AY4ebAh2ZnGYosZ1VXMYdYOufmHVEFu5YSaGdXOvpDINng2/w400-h300/R0013637.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is ready to go - Clay is just waking up behind him.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIyHrdEj7kRoje_xALLqqqavjaZIGjNRgb_8KoAmUJaP53ZWHpZ_M29kmFBTYSMgNLy7qBzu3m-i9HlruwldQv0WRVqmQxFhKPQk5V1Xq-8M3Ex7gmN8uMo8eTghc328rcLIbFccfjFoBE611Gxcg-9av_t3cq-9gAVK_E4hUxQQib5_m4syb9qci/s5184/R0013638.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIyHrdEj7kRoje_xALLqqqavjaZIGjNRgb_8KoAmUJaP53ZWHpZ_M29kmFBTYSMgNLy7qBzu3m-i9HlruwldQv0WRVqmQxFhKPQk5V1Xq-8M3Ex7gmN8uMo8eTghc328rcLIbFccfjFoBE611Gxcg-9av_t3cq-9gAVK_E4hUxQQib5_m4syb9qci/w480-h640/R0013638.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ready to go too!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifskywpTA1VM7c-PfhnDZS544UALx6M0BrCZS3Xtn6PX3eM9QAhx1gv89NSUnG6WNX1SCkxbuaB7ielskCt48eZjslNalCAC7JQzbzYyCec2_uW_VuCULwnDLXAvDjsUqzQR3L5S4pe6biQBdlH10Cb4ZI84INnP27CoEgfHsalewzwATVRXBnsMPe/s5184/R0013639.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifskywpTA1VM7c-PfhnDZS544UALx6M0BrCZS3Xtn6PX3eM9QAhx1gv89NSUnG6WNX1SCkxbuaB7ielskCt48eZjslNalCAC7JQzbzYyCec2_uW_VuCULwnDLXAvDjsUqzQR3L5S4pe6biQBdlH10Cb4ZI84INnP27CoEgfHsalewzwATVRXBnsMPe/w400-h300/R0013639.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on the ground!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKOIgD-H74-9YGfJALIQu6rXlFcoZZ00pkdEtkFAZukOwQCvMwP4K9fAUvzVYTYBNrilZlb47T6mdCw-8l4AEPTwysXZAej6i_FC0NAuxwpxfaiDDQ9iTUjZLsrWNpH8DIx4cpE85gwmJiE7AgopR51V5xUyDht_Q__e1cegV01-7F09qWiIlVyU8/s5184/R0013642.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKOIgD-H74-9YGfJALIQu6rXlFcoZZ00pkdEtkFAZukOwQCvMwP4K9fAUvzVYTYBNrilZlb47T6mdCw-8l4AEPTwysXZAej6i_FC0NAuxwpxfaiDDQ9iTUjZLsrWNpH8DIx4cpE85gwmJiE7AgopR51V5xUyDht_Q__e1cegV01-7F09qWiIlVyU8/w400-h300/R0013642.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes the sun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZMb8wj7TPXd9w3j9VaCqvVFSJJx9Dicwm2UzFVKU_GULx5hc68e6u9IDpe4KV8piedvrfYKWMKZ9AyJh6HoBWYSnzVftdYSgDcZkxfDc6k9RCuvm8RiKG_84Q8lrDnRTXCvPFNzUSiMhXY8AzC5s2jh2v4dkmvJo-5M2PMOQY29bWgaO9qo-pNgG/s5184/R0013644.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZMb8wj7TPXd9w3j9VaCqvVFSJJx9Dicwm2UzFVKU_GULx5hc68e6u9IDpe4KV8piedvrfYKWMKZ9AyJh6HoBWYSnzVftdYSgDcZkxfDc6k9RCuvm8RiKG_84Q8lrDnRTXCvPFNzUSiMhXY8AzC5s2jh2v4dkmvJo-5M2PMOQY29bWgaO9qo-pNgG/w400-h300/R0013644.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie on the bridge over Chamberlain Creek (best one yet).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYJBniAhqwrzEmyBE-ulxphwOvTgNkVYtYSD5YfPlYh36Ga_TBAn_FgLxJRP_8DAIoopKXAQNQJGZttWfz_cNM074SGaEV9za2CgDJwARKbPiDouzSWNP6xc4qYrW4VR2uEZtlkW8pVOs5H3i4NnJ9KrUqdfqRWAqSLtujRwbHzWtU0mJSfJwSOzy/s5184/R0013651.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYJBniAhqwrzEmyBE-ulxphwOvTgNkVYtYSD5YfPlYh36Ga_TBAn_FgLxJRP_8DAIoopKXAQNQJGZttWfz_cNM074SGaEV9za2CgDJwARKbPiDouzSWNP6xc4qYrW4VR2uEZtlkW8pVOs5H3i4NnJ9KrUqdfqRWAqSLtujRwbHzWtU0mJSfJwSOzy/w400-h300/R0013651.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the junction we aren't taking.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB8cVuqRClqPnphWc017cIcGNoxDJki61zSG4E9S5ABb0HZ_yC3DPth-tLaFhemvORwlho6FEdEo2tg8FSSu7WHraD1wtHPEICgFevY_a10bpJGaK7necryn7Pz5_UPCvqbyIAQRzeHgx-nxV0_XBZDsLnt4JF3oMAWcZs6UCSKziZKOcsNaC38Ce/s5184/R0013652.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB8cVuqRClqPnphWc017cIcGNoxDJki61zSG4E9S5ABb0HZ_yC3DPth-tLaFhemvORwlho6FEdEo2tg8FSSu7WHraD1wtHPEICgFevY_a10bpJGaK7necryn7Pz5_UPCvqbyIAQRzeHgx-nxV0_XBZDsLnt4JF3oMAWcZs6UCSKziZKOcsNaC38Ce/w400-h300/R0013652.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Svelte Ambrose is warm enough to take off the jacket.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE_Bw0KnMxcUzYI6f_M5U-8rEkXW7W6xP7zZuAzyblL9o6pq2djIUSvV37OU-iUtG163l2lOLUdmN0Aur5ktq7L3dguf5cmdCvZ2Hx1DYyP6fS_i7KOmY5nHuMix81UzWy_yuCjltP0tfuRKPqCll18ccYFoq8whC7elyZaeLy28ZhyjFOL3x2YED/s5184/R0013654.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE_Bw0KnMxcUzYI6f_M5U-8rEkXW7W6xP7zZuAzyblL9o6pq2djIUSvV37OU-iUtG163l2lOLUdmN0Aur5ktq7L3dguf5cmdCvZ2Hx1DYyP6fS_i7KOmY5nHuMix81UzWy_yuCjltP0tfuRKPqCll18ccYFoq8whC7elyZaeLy28ZhyjFOL3x2YED/w400-h300/R0013654.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am lagging behind.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAd_qqMzOE-fcNlBTTMFyfebx6hqbTVVodAPJKaZ3iNsvXIP56MtOmbeGoz-w969Kq-li_SAc_Rtx49Tu92DkxHR0nMm078mQDtVT4R0mOSrXUGfyFvRdWSckmxw5alDZfhsb2X81tiISAZYxK1JPvz_XTDkA8uiKTUxBFEFqZ1ZQaUkyeLzXaekI/s5184/R0013659.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAd_qqMzOE-fcNlBTTMFyfebx6hqbTVVodAPJKaZ3iNsvXIP56MtOmbeGoz-w969Kq-li_SAc_Rtx49Tu92DkxHR0nMm078mQDtVT4R0mOSrXUGfyFvRdWSckmxw5alDZfhsb2X81tiISAZYxK1JPvz_XTDkA8uiKTUxBFEFqZ1ZQaUkyeLzXaekI/w400-h300/R0013659.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun isn't torturously hot yet. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zlEaF2JBnQc_BktK1_6MRBFl5jbcphJ0UyXEUl3KjpJNwUsDCFom-DJ6lLu1WR1KDwEYFKp2gldQnx9kBiSP5tCcredpDAeyCBu2oq4LNn82X-RdWaRusQtPjyR58MO4X5b9WurJ9rr7g62uG4tlilBrwYBqncR7IF59qP7V8N8NxnS6-cUnXYz2/s5184/R0013661.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zlEaF2JBnQc_BktK1_6MRBFl5jbcphJ0UyXEUl3KjpJNwUsDCFom-DJ6lLu1WR1KDwEYFKp2gldQnx9kBiSP5tCcredpDAeyCBu2oq4LNn82X-RdWaRusQtPjyR58MO4X5b9WurJ9rr7g62uG4tlilBrwYBqncR7IF59qP7V8N8NxnS6-cUnXYz2/w400-h300/R0013661.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the center of the horizon is a little bump. That's Sheepeater Lookout. We climbed it :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLTjubSG5LynTUZknR97iEr3ERnleBcs_9nua-1ymFE4MAe_ZQtLh9IZOaPIC95Z_tYgZGYsgD5F8rPTqULyfq3WztSpmGGaoHYkme9YRiZbP7UuOXI3pYL-pmeHf53VLKhQK44ZkiyGF7DiM55yuP46-7vvfW7-3LSGiCFEGO9xCIbgGyfgwQhcQ/s5184/R0013665.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLTjubSG5LynTUZknR97iEr3ERnleBcs_9nua-1ymFE4MAe_ZQtLh9IZOaPIC95Z_tYgZGYsgD5F8rPTqULyfq3WztSpmGGaoHYkme9YRiZbP7UuOXI3pYL-pmeHf53VLKhQK44ZkiyGF7DiM55yuP46-7vvfW7-3LSGiCFEGO9xCIbgGyfgwQhcQ/w400-h300/R0013665.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How are we not there yet?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNn35nFFzgeISMrJJ1gLBFMo95eYIfqus4P0JKpyTWra0fOYOrdkxw8RsabTVrQQDjg48e5INW-uD7RuVDPIWDQLA6ppCG8HxJ7BDSLPu1N_cq_iqWbBCfJYsY91J7fmeFzaKdEYsFcMcuvQkPmk_HOiaaBXlo7MQStLXRhZi7KALD9pduR_BpPGp/s5184/R0013673.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNn35nFFzgeISMrJJ1gLBFMo95eYIfqus4P0JKpyTWra0fOYOrdkxw8RsabTVrQQDjg48e5INW-uD7RuVDPIWDQLA6ppCG8HxJ7BDSLPu1N_cq_iqWbBCfJYsY91J7fmeFzaKdEYsFcMcuvQkPmk_HOiaaBXlo7MQStLXRhZi7KALD9pduR_BpPGp/w400-h300/R0013673.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More uphill...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdltn3SUicVZhoOKqxP3CYnrs0HHqHcd5O6C5nI-eGobRLOZtOcXhZaaUtHx4RlMhc-f-v404UWqeJaO7cMrwzAKmaIKSIkOjDat3mTsObliHPD3oqIJ13ZJ8Jh0RXI0kce7jwKQyz3UM91OGnXVD8j72Th-t9hFQdyPSaSj86I00jLnJmFmdVuyV/s5184/R0013676.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdltn3SUicVZhoOKqxP3CYnrs0HHqHcd5O6C5nI-eGobRLOZtOcXhZaaUtHx4RlMhc-f-v404UWqeJaO7cMrwzAKmaIKSIkOjDat3mTsObliHPD3oqIJ13ZJ8Jh0RXI0kce7jwKQyz3UM91OGnXVD8j72Th-t9hFQdyPSaSj86I00jLnJmFmdVuyV/w400-h300/R0013676.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bones!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqgwEHLIuuas4roA5_Bc512YJNQQjcN2o_3fS20s2wdyaXw6UBqhL_le7i2Lz40697t2XLC9bNmgSym-rUkshiYdCr1ez6wS8T4uGU_IutF2Eyzi-Bb1rRUNQMdgCSTqLpf24QOfOa2GVHGubuJ54NIAFv3X_hwc668Ou6Or6eIihCPEdAh591wnM/s5184/R0013679.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqgwEHLIuuas4roA5_Bc512YJNQQjcN2o_3fS20s2wdyaXw6UBqhL_le7i2Lz40697t2XLC9bNmgSym-rUkshiYdCr1ez6wS8T4uGU_IutF2Eyzi-Bb1rRUNQMdgCSTqLpf24QOfOa2GVHGubuJ54NIAFv3X_hwc668Ou6Or6eIihCPEdAh591wnM/w400-h300/R0013679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These trees are a lot taller than the first time we hiked through here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyMCZw5-9I_wwmCeeM3qR8Xkpjp-5ttdpA8-TVA9fjfmTG9H5VxDaJ13yh_CzBsMKX2ip2vnDN23re3rbGjUeQILgx-T0g9yue9IC4AT0dcIi8_5VQvRSKAst4dapl1MMHWUbbbBmY4dBWuxTni9R4KWaOJa-L9LhQuAFWLtC49TssMOfD-qD0gf8/s5184/R0013684.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyMCZw5-9I_wwmCeeM3qR8Xkpjp-5ttdpA8-TVA9fjfmTG9H5VxDaJ13yh_CzBsMKX2ip2vnDN23re3rbGjUeQILgx-T0g9yue9IC4AT0dcIi8_5VQvRSKAst4dapl1MMHWUbbbBmY4dBWuxTni9R4KWaOJa-L9LhQuAFWLtC49TssMOfD-qD0gf8/w400-h300/R0013684.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bear grass hasn't quite bloomed yet on this ridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7mMSTWXd0iWLKIh73G5vOB7Fh_C8BgT8qOJ8mJRtxP8lwttZZc_1_MRwEsiVW9fnSl7Dj7fvMCQpJYKaqkLhYDgQWdwJ7dM6pKtYvBjv1ZuPq0HD9vHdBgRckdlOQkVEmTTGQwUEHS0GRMEOnsjXr5qn_tVUOXu4dFcg6qC3u6J79Az4gnK2C60I/s5184/R0013687.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7mMSTWXd0iWLKIh73G5vOB7Fh_C8BgT8qOJ8mJRtxP8lwttZZc_1_MRwEsiVW9fnSl7Dj7fvMCQpJYKaqkLhYDgQWdwJ7dM6pKtYvBjv1ZuPq0HD9vHdBgRckdlOQkVEmTTGQwUEHS0GRMEOnsjXr5qn_tVUOXu4dFcg6qC3u6J79Az4gnK2C60I/w400-h300/R0013687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lodgepole Creek is surely just around the next bend.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dJPwumD3K03R7cAhQQLvN53KFCSuBDtRf66q1M1ql6SzkCSf4YVKDGAb9DBmo9JCv4KMgvWlcS94MctAhWZXXx1k99eDBuEhJYnWZBIu1KtICu1riDnaRA7JFWZys3_nBwDDaNuP37OCJ02LnBL8xyUZ3bW6hn5KlomWhtE8m2sSG2dGTEFsEydu/s5184/R0013691.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dJPwumD3K03R7cAhQQLvN53KFCSuBDtRf66q1M1ql6SzkCSf4YVKDGAb9DBmo9JCv4KMgvWlcS94MctAhWZXXx1k99eDBuEhJYnWZBIu1KtICu1riDnaRA7JFWZys3_nBwDDaNuP37OCJ02LnBL8xyUZ3bW6hn5KlomWhtE8m2sSG2dGTEFsEydu/w400-h300/R0013691.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose crossing Lodgepole Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeUS4HBkTXWHCldrUntoQGxRfu2UmrIkYw7cCP_jwwe5V5ZQmxQ8U2eRAldA_B65NaJroiHdJe1nBHyuKjTvGufls2rPANFt-luSpJK06mwIAD3zmLucnsf3NvOxIpK35IRE7vRQ79ago1TYELbIQpxSPljlIdVdzaVWhlMFWLQGNFRG0D7vMPc4Z/s5184/R0013694.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeUS4HBkTXWHCldrUntoQGxRfu2UmrIkYw7cCP_jwwe5V5ZQmxQ8U2eRAldA_B65NaJroiHdJe1nBHyuKjTvGufls2rPANFt-luSpJK06mwIAD3zmLucnsf3NvOxIpK35IRE7vRQ79ago1TYELbIQpxSPljlIdVdzaVWhlMFWLQGNFRG0D7vMPc4Z/w400-h300/R0013694.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second crossing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ORk7i6uUxlrd-l9N4BzWSBLaT4Pw45zs7PODbOg_hmtiFVRBxyJXm0E7iRgS7kd3POfuCzMQUyc4-d4OSqD9A2R5ugDOoEFJM6Sc7wmI-g7SGbtqdLhetXp1rlLk5PgrP-Wm4XL3FMQ6ASK_mLHfU_t7GSQ6es7hs2gU3a-0QMVFeiPgWGTRPR_h/s5184/R0013696.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ORk7i6uUxlrd-l9N4BzWSBLaT4Pw45zs7PODbOg_hmtiFVRBxyJXm0E7iRgS7kd3POfuCzMQUyc4-d4OSqD9A2R5ugDOoEFJM6Sc7wmI-g7SGbtqdLhetXp1rlLk5PgrP-Wm4XL3FMQ6ASK_mLHfU_t7GSQ6es7hs2gU3a-0QMVFeiPgWGTRPR_h/w400-h300/R0013696.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now here's some blooming bear grass!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tR8z3-D2IrqsVY8bMRmAOgH-eeOrEs46nrAtNPXUJ-pE9Ehs9gFmWt00oCQIhhi_qEDzBPtHAyrapjkZ3w6orQ6U5In1Nlz2KdDV20DQ-2xqtNyr1tre9HYg_pYGgDVuuMboxUgVbl9YKbAvo4rbeXUVRX2iUxMJmDTMnfWwa9MxDLbJKpjVlVi6/s5184/R0013697.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tR8z3-D2IrqsVY8bMRmAOgH-eeOrEs46nrAtNPXUJ-pE9Ehs9gFmWt00oCQIhhi_qEDzBPtHAyrapjkZ3w6orQ6U5In1Nlz2KdDV20DQ-2xqtNyr1tre9HYg_pYGgDVuuMboxUgVbl9YKbAvo4rbeXUVRX2iUxMJmDTMnfWwa9MxDLbJKpjVlVi6/w400-h300/R0013697.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now for the exposed part of the day's hike.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw2Fv_mHhKDKWs4VRizSUSaoyA2sfG-p-swXSa8b8a31ByQC96XVKLaRngErvpabHmDXfMar705bhxYRXYSov07gB3XONKv66h9RhXM2Lii14yVbAPZrIqWS9LhvZT-8NiEBZPx93NLxPvZXD55UCoh7q23F6LNPgRu0GUMSgws__ocotAnZJ4Og8/s5184/R0013701.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw2Fv_mHhKDKWs4VRizSUSaoyA2sfG-p-swXSa8b8a31ByQC96XVKLaRngErvpabHmDXfMar705bhxYRXYSov07gB3XONKv66h9RhXM2Lii14yVbAPZrIqWS9LhvZT-8NiEBZPx93NLxPvZXD55UCoh7q23F6LNPgRu0GUMSgws__ocotAnZJ4Og8/w400-h300/R0013701.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to get to the old forest.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6nzQDtTZiMTZ9Mw1CPJpn5Ike_4EMK3i0onV2kJhD5jf_5yCUSgguK55iNUkMxV39Ch5MGk-L2K6W4Zcj61XDKw19pxEAfdkAJ7t1BT_54tqRoSSJeCfNeUtYMfH4gc8tJOfsxggbc1l2jnJu5HD4j6XkEvsBV1ciVt2vDkutdbByjxoEOkCaMsX/s5184/R0013708.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6nzQDtTZiMTZ9Mw1CPJpn5Ike_4EMK3i0onV2kJhD5jf_5yCUSgguK55iNUkMxV39Ch5MGk-L2K6W4Zcj61XDKw19pxEAfdkAJ7t1BT_54tqRoSSJeCfNeUtYMfH4gc8tJOfsxggbc1l2jnJu5HD4j6XkEvsBV1ciVt2vDkutdbByjxoEOkCaMsX/w400-h300/R0013708.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's more shade here, but it's still very warm.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOdbPQTJ6C-VOoHL0ZIAwUb_p4Ympf67jLd0NLxcArPheG186g5KmVkH64UGIl55D-9E89iqnqFvjySbzT0CZrryEMVqB-NB4Kp0k4LJwSD54SrbbmJV-Rcqaowe-JMlH5WlyQRDO3vBoHXl7nm09CGSZVpNIBM5lC6paguICoL-kiFzMDxqRPWkX/s5184/R0013711.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOdbPQTJ6C-VOoHL0ZIAwUb_p4Ympf67jLd0NLxcArPheG186g5KmVkH64UGIl55D-9E89iqnqFvjySbzT0CZrryEMVqB-NB4Kp0k4LJwSD54SrbbmJV-Rcqaowe-JMlH5WlyQRDO3vBoHXl7nm09CGSZVpNIBM5lC6paguICoL-kiFzMDxqRPWkX/w400-h300/R0013711.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, now it's cooling off.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKjZqTIt2DR9zKT43KQeuaIDdfAefypLnDhyxPerSohgsYh5q87WHv8DcyoUAwAVn8SMG-SjfHSmRgjSHyTyi9lo7zH5Vu5wnhMH_ggsuLIV5YmUbDpFwHa3zq9AlC1RjLu8jvg6fdGC94b6RdN08ZVwADZsemK4QMZoBEHcEfqHpKxgvstiBgTd4/s5184/R0013714.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKjZqTIt2DR9zKT43KQeuaIDdfAefypLnDhyxPerSohgsYh5q87WHv8DcyoUAwAVn8SMG-SjfHSmRgjSHyTyi9lo7zH5Vu5wnhMH_ggsuLIV5YmUbDpFwHa3zq9AlC1RjLu8jvg6fdGC94b6RdN08ZVwADZsemK4QMZoBEHcEfqHpKxgvstiBgTd4/w400-h300/R0013714.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a good spot for lunch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ9bhIYvL9glUNxmGGE-xhCr1YQXwnEd25RCUB2JmKuKF4lPRl7qlBcxKtl8rXwwnpnxDfwc6yr75n75T9JJbOMWNmrd5aJLiqpTy39rkDmZl9tibZ-cAiROFr21DHxbG_0YYmiNdDJogCAhn3LdQygJQdDkrbc9XUaZYdcwXRfa755nXO2p5Aib0/s5184/R0013719.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ9bhIYvL9glUNxmGGE-xhCr1YQXwnEd25RCUB2JmKuKF4lPRl7qlBcxKtl8rXwwnpnxDfwc6yr75n75T9JJbOMWNmrd5aJLiqpTy39rkDmZl9tibZ-cAiROFr21DHxbG_0YYmiNdDJogCAhn3LdQygJQdDkrbc9XUaZYdcwXRfa755nXO2p5Aib0/w400-h300/R0013719.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I absolutely would have gathered water from that puddle if it had been there in 2016.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAhOr7dDi2sduch0N5qIcwA14sYe7YI_IZTLgxj-Ykd_IOiUdZxwRCyeGLFHKoBDfsIl-FkJxOsf1tdqhN-vc4aAD-Qp41zKH3GOMmJWevmkfhH_Wjf2pbolG3wepYTVPVCMb-W65N6Wgep13j6sUtyT8Bd-cetgE7eOBxjCcMkmK81AwR17mNMUJ/s5184/R0013720.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAhOr7dDi2sduch0N5qIcwA14sYe7YI_IZTLgxj-Ykd_IOiUdZxwRCyeGLFHKoBDfsIl-FkJxOsf1tdqhN-vc4aAD-Qp41zKH3GOMmJWevmkfhH_Wjf2pbolG3wepYTVPVCMb-W65N6Wgep13j6sUtyT8Bd-cetgE7eOBxjCcMkmK81AwR17mNMUJ/w640-h480/R0013720.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every time Ambrose or I touched a bear grass bloom, a poof of pollen would fill the air. I don't think I could have captured the cloud of pollen if I tried, but I got it by accident. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo2SlAhuZDoO_eAtU-Y3_AOfTGGeWhU6n3yBV8KEvYxfKmYN44pmhdRGmguxSiK1IsxplyvgMCDvdWvoyK_2zeqiUqgzhlrjf0Ef8VDQoVLYYxdwe4yaOyY3F2GfDxsz42LsJHk_sXPHH8drubkAqLaTI8t0pgBI-_Ad7YOB8P_OCUAFwSVfxYEkX/s5184/R0013722.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo2SlAhuZDoO_eAtU-Y3_AOfTGGeWhU6n3yBV8KEvYxfKmYN44pmhdRGmguxSiK1IsxplyvgMCDvdWvoyK_2zeqiUqgzhlrjf0Ef8VDQoVLYYxdwe4yaOyY3F2GfDxsz42LsJHk_sXPHH8drubkAqLaTI8t0pgBI-_Ad7YOB8P_OCUAFwSVfxYEkX/w400-h300/R0013722.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful old forest section is taking longer than I expected to traverse.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrCfGZ5E6Ysiw1jdM9nAQM_AB2BipPPaRuNGMmsbzDfeIY1rhi2QtZb5TJgnd0HyIwOIQsUv_Pyhlpo6lGPS73qOA5QAcTzpCle8ig0Pts1GeQ3mIkzlWtrSYhzeGaE5nO3PXuOCTjRZRdWn3tnUCApa_kVNfxEZgJUEqXyBrdv6f3ppwlViSCtAE/s5184/R0013727.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrCfGZ5E6Ysiw1jdM9nAQM_AB2BipPPaRuNGMmsbzDfeIY1rhi2QtZb5TJgnd0HyIwOIQsUv_Pyhlpo6lGPS73qOA5QAcTzpCle8ig0Pts1GeQ3mIkzlWtrSYhzeGaE5nO3PXuOCTjRZRdWn3tnUCApa_kVNfxEZgJUEqXyBrdv6f3ppwlViSCtAE/w400-h300/R0013727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is taking the brunt of any spiderwebs spun across the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaft4b_2wsDpcnI5ymwtje9RbKUpeKdz-bYDb8gIcYeU-QmUunV33OUqjw1voCNpokGjQiK4592DZGc2zSnEIwPzNhrjhc4AXz5WUD6g4GF4Wv7W7YaO--UnTGgRpqozoJ0PK41v4c3E_HBJLs3Dj4I5uqgUTmjGIwaDTG_7dfbmCDmj4whv0HlWA/s5184/R0013731.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaft4b_2wsDpcnI5ymwtje9RbKUpeKdz-bYDb8gIcYeU-QmUunV33OUqjw1voCNpokGjQiK4592DZGc2zSnEIwPzNhrjhc4AXz5WUD6g4GF4Wv7W7YaO--UnTGgRpqozoJ0PK41v4c3E_HBJLs3Dj4I5uqgUTmjGIwaDTG_7dfbmCDmj4whv0HlWA/w400-h300/R0013731.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost past Hand Meadows.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpsz05n6OPWhPwf0f2McKIncjlwDwVCeirgHLiG8mqAWGYEuZHtPgkKXoxxrFCVnyeDGGMCJoBo46J4P3k7jHoyQEOZXfx8vuv4nrHdKJXZGxsf8sqZE7OKMGkZyWBao7VaIX_4YNVU7rC_jl718247BrEo0X6wAFJnKZKw5wj0Bmu7s-ul65Wyg5/s5184/R0013733.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpsz05n6OPWhPwf0f2McKIncjlwDwVCeirgHLiG8mqAWGYEuZHtPgkKXoxxrFCVnyeDGGMCJoBo46J4P3k7jHoyQEOZXfx8vuv4nrHdKJXZGxsf8sqZE7OKMGkZyWBao7VaIX_4YNVU7rC_jl718247BrEo0X6wAFJnKZKw5wj0Bmu7s-ul65Wyg5/w400-h300/R0013733.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haven't been here in years!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbvAqErx6cHi0qlaGq1zCjwm7B7T5xf1Gwxq1dOSzmp7vIvMYiNLP6YMY8YXfrB3dqxX3-qlWW04afPNrl_vdMd9w1pLZVqSmK9nz7pZfZDW1LouM-gx_JnaA5B45bp3N7Z9BBmxblQdaBC0oPmpIeH19nO0t-9rjRl5Cz3jWaGI6ETttKUv5sQu0/s5184/R0013736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbvAqErx6cHi0qlaGq1zCjwm7B7T5xf1Gwxq1dOSzmp7vIvMYiNLP6YMY8YXfrB3dqxX3-qlWW04afPNrl_vdMd9w1pLZVqSmK9nz7pZfZDW1LouM-gx_JnaA5B45bp3N7Z9BBmxblQdaBC0oPmpIeH19nO0t-9rjRl5Cz3jWaGI6ETttKUv5sQu0/w400-h300/R0013736.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It almost looked like someone had built a wall here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v9EMf6mvuNpSHvWHOXM_h_WDmtjoJYEfW6x5WZMUcRgXerNmL3J1EDBHb5xMPU-9HRKctUpK1k8fuQA587G8N56cXZTNShjTJ1ijKHt7aJr26hzSamjFhi_kuOAo0rekR5aYKJUwR1Vn-mLg8xydFWaDj-fAiah1tHvCBVTmh_0YyP730txuiavM/s5184/R0013740.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v9EMf6mvuNpSHvWHOXM_h_WDmtjoJYEfW6x5WZMUcRgXerNmL3J1EDBHb5xMPU-9HRKctUpK1k8fuQA587G8N56cXZTNShjTJ1ijKHt7aJr26hzSamjFhi_kuOAo0rekR5aYKJUwR1Vn-mLg8xydFWaDj-fAiah1tHvCBVTmh_0YyP730txuiavM/w400-h300/R0013740.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxe0mRmm1hc0gkTsFh_BLjCwzPblhzk2cHBHZkFehfJ0NgvBvUnw2yM_3-BZIN0u7FI3gnuyZ2Nw-4AYfgH42en_X8UKXIgQxorIBi92l-CDISPlTw-sWhkVMhhfRxCUJgSXA39j97YVrXsZVi46FR2u46yjHRBqZyfp14KwDGe2gg2rS2L-obLUP/s5184/R0013742.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxe0mRmm1hc0gkTsFh_BLjCwzPblhzk2cHBHZkFehfJ0NgvBvUnw2yM_3-BZIN0u7FI3gnuyZ2Nw-4AYfgH42en_X8UKXIgQxorIBi92l-CDISPlTw-sWhkVMhhfRxCUJgSXA39j97YVrXsZVi46FR2u46yjHRBqZyfp14KwDGe2gg2rS2L-obLUP/w400-h300/R0013742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packs leaning on a tree and water bags hanging from a tree - photo by Ambrose.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNMnlI7iAt6SCnErk_MOSS8s0vfacLdnbJcTX3z-6gdNJ3YW95HfTMXiwxDqlD6P9-f5d4eYpqBSO_JLyNrqJ2prJi3xsEtPfXln7gvgfZVwzQH4p8-buGIgMw6A0Gxl9UTr-x4IFzAoEDhp1u7iV4jd_9c8DzQbcUfgPSkzfewcDInwNBUdTCX7Z/s5184/R0013745.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNMnlI7iAt6SCnErk_MOSS8s0vfacLdnbJcTX3z-6gdNJ3YW95HfTMXiwxDqlD6P9-f5d4eYpqBSO_JLyNrqJ2prJi3xsEtPfXln7gvgfZVwzQH4p8-buGIgMw6A0Gxl9UTr-x4IFzAoEDhp1u7iV4jd_9c8DzQbcUfgPSkzfewcDInwNBUdTCX7Z/w400-h300/R0013745.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose got a picture of me finishing my pitch of the tent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-60692499456040667242022-09-07T08:00:00.131-06:002022-09-07T18:27:12.404-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 4<p> Once again, the morning was surprisingly warm. I thought that surely It would have been cold here; it’s always cold at Sheepeater Lake! But I guess it isn’t, because it wasn’t this time. Between the warmth and our agreement from the night before to sleep in an extra hour, getting up was quite pleasant. I think it would be nice to spend a day at Sheepeater Lake some time, but right now we tend to focus on trips where we are hiking every day. We started with more of a destination and hang out method of backpacking, with day hikes, but now we go on the longer routed trips. </p><p>Our pre-hiking stretches were a bit tricky, because there weren’t a lot of flat spots. Even with the tent down, it was hard to do leg swings without kicking plants or dirt. But the arm circles were no problem. After a few pictures, we got back onto the trail. We weren’t far from the outlet of Sheepeater Lake, though I should probably say outlets, plural, because we actually crossed two streams flowing out of the lake. After we left the lake, the trail descended in leisurely switchbacks. </p><p>The trail here is a bit tricky, not because it’s difficult to follow, but because it is steep and rocky. Ambrose once rolled his ankle pretty badly coming down this trail. We were both being careful on the descent. Something that I’d noticed but not really thought about occurred to me as I hiked on the rocky trail. I was wearing one of my new pairs of boots, the Softstars. They are minimalist, natural style footwear, which means there is very little padding between the soles of my feet and the ground. When I wear them, I can really feel the surface of the trail beneath my feet. Some of that leads to me being footsore, as I get used to the boots, but I discovered here that they also allow me to walk more confidently on this type of sliding-rock trail. My whole foot could respond to each change in the texture of the trail, instead of being locked into a single plane by a stiff soled boot. I have never felt so sure-footed on this kind of surface. </p><p>Now, if they would only make a fully waterproofed version, I think I’d have the perfect boots for my next trip on the Olympic Coast. . . </p><p>We made it down to our first break at Fish Creek. This break wasn’t by time so much as it was for me to fill up my water. I thought Ambrose also needed water, but he didn’t. While we were at the creek, I felt the need to dig a hole begin to grow. I mentioned that to Ambrose, because it meant we would need to stop as soon as I found a good spot instead of waiting for the next break. He did suggest bushwhacking into the trees to do it, but I thought there would be a good spot before the trail got really narrow. </p><div><div>I got my hole dug before the trail fully entered the canyon, which was a relief. There are some parts of the trail where it’s just better that you don’t need to dig a hole, what with the steep drop-off to Fish Creek on one side and thick brush on the other side which tends toward the vertical in the other direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>After that, the hike down to Red Top Meadows was a breeze. We really went fast, and the trail was in decent shape. That was thanks to the packer who had just resupplied Logan up at Sheepeater Lookout. To bring the mules up, the trail between here and Chamberlain needed to be a certain level of cleared, and I was very happy about that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Usually, we take a break when we reach the trail junction where we take a left turn to head to the Chamberlain Air Strip, but that’s because we’re usually worn out and need it. This time, it wasn’t yet time for a break so we kept hiking. The day was getting hot, but it wasn’t too bad. Not yet anyway. I did convince Ambrose that we should take our break a few minutes early so that we could have it near a stream crossing. Not only was there more shade there, but there were logs to sit on, and, of course, the sound of the water rushing by. It’s amazing how cooling just that sound can be. </div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the Red Top Meadows section, which I consider to be from the Fish Creek junction all the way to the second crossing of Chamberlain Creek – both of which require boots off, typically – was uneventful. Ambrose and I hiked together, and did not need to take another break before our first ford. </div><div>When we got to the point where we would need to get ready to cross, Ambrose surprised me by volunteering to cross back so that he could take pictures of me crossing. I was happy for that, since I don’t usually get to have those kinds of pictures. So I followed him down first, so I could get video and pictures of him crossing first. This also allowed me to gauge just how deep the water would get. This is probably the deepest crossing that we ever do, and the only reason we can do it is that it is extremely slow moving at this point. The creek bends and the water slows and a beaver is helping that whole process along. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once he got across, he put his pack down and then re-entered the water. I waited until he got close enough to take the camera and then I headed back up the trail to change for my crossing. The point where I had been standing was about six inches deep in the water, so it wasn’t an ideal place to change. Back up on the hill a bit, I completely removed my pants, because I knew it was deep enough to soak me to the waist. Wet underwear, I can handle, it gets wet enough with sweat anyway, but I prefer not to have my pants be completely soaked. I also changed into my sandals for crossing. For a while, I was using an old pair of shoes for crossing, but I recently purchased these Xero sandals and they did a pretty good job. I do miss the whole closed toe thing for my camp shoes, but the sandals dry much quicker after an immersion. </div><div><br /></div><div>Prepared, I made my way back down to the crossing, and then made the plunge. Ambrose helped direct me around a log. If I had gone around it to the left I probably would have gotten in water as deep as my chest, but by going to the right I managed to keep it waist level. The water was cold, but it felt rather refreshing in the bright sunshine. After this deep crossing, there’s a perfect place to change back into boots. But it’s been kind of ruined by the beaver, because if you put your boots back on at that perfect log, then you’ll be getting them quite wet about ten feet down the trail where the beaver’s work has resulted in overflow. The trail goes through grasses that hide up to a foot of water before finally climbing up and away from the water. That’s where we went to put our boots back on. Or, in Ambrose’s case, not to do that, because it’s really not that far from the next ford we need to do and he doesn’t mind hiking in his Teva’s. And, though I took longer to decide, I ended up trying to hike in my Xero’s.</div><div>I probably won’t do that very often, because they let in a lot of debris as I walk. But it’s workable for short distances. We hiked past several mud wallows without seeing any of the animals that use them. </div><div><br /></div><div>We could smell that they’d been there though! </div><div><br /></div><div>In no time at all, we were at the second crossing and able to walk straight through pretty much. Unfortunately, it was then time for lunch and there were really no shade options. I mean, I sat in the shade of a dead tree that extended slim shadow, but it moved before my lunch was ready to eat. Sometimes it’s like that, no shade and you just have to make do. </div><div><br /></div><div>By this point, my feet were a bit achy and I was starting to feel less than enthusiastic. But I knew it wasn’t that far to the air strip. </div><div><br /></div><div>It just felt that way. </div><div><br /></div><div>We hiked on and I began to feel like a packhorse, only able to keep going because I was following the person in front of me. I kept expecting us to be there, but again and again where I thought we were close there was just more and more trail to hike, including trail that I really don’t remember. I wonder, now, if there had been a reroute of the trail since the last time we’d hiked this way. Because there’s a part that I just didn’t remember being so long and up on an elevation. The trail meandered through what felt like miles of lovely flowers that I could hardly appreciate because I was so footsore. I just wanted a break, but Ambrose was like a machine, he just kept hiking. </div><div><br /></div><div>At some point, he walked over a small fallen tree and I decided to move it off the trail. He pulled ahead and kept pulling ahead until I completely lost sight of him at times. I was feeling a bit pissy. Like, how could he just walk off like that when he said he wanted us to hike together? I probably needed a snack. I kept trudging on, feeling myself slow down since I couldn’t pull myself along after Ambrose anymore. I dutifully moved what trees I could. Partly so I wouldn’t have to step over them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I started feeling a rumbling in my gut. I absolutely did NOT want to dig a hole when we were so close to the pit toilets of the air strip. No way. I sped up a bit, pushing my aching feet a bit harder. Then I saw the air strip, and the glorious pit toilet itself and I sped up a lot. I saw Ambrose, then I caught and passed him, letting him know I was on a nonstop trip directly to the pit toilet. He warned me to be careful crossing the stream that’s just before the air strip and I yelled back agreement as I made all haste to the air strip. </div><div><br /></div><div>I admit, one of the things I like best about the Chamberlain Air Stirp is the pit toilets. Not having to dig a hole when I need to go is such a treat out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having made use of the facilities, I felt refreshed and ready to hike. Though at that point I knew that my day’s hiking was just about over. We only needed to walk down the air strip to get to the shady spot where we’d stayed with Bill last year. Though we started with site 23, and I do like that site, it just gets too hot. There’s absolutely no good shade there from about 2 pm until the sun sinks below the ridge after 8. We made our way down and found the site nice and empty. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before I did anything, I took some time to take care of myself. I needed to drink and I needed to eat. I also got my feet out of my boots and just spent some time not being on my feet. After a bit of rest, I got the tent up. And eventually I got around to hanging my bear rope. I wandered around the site a bit before discovering someone had mounted a log between two trees, making for the perfect place to hang a bear bag. They’d even left rocks at the base of one of the trees that were ideal for tying the rope around. And I got the rope up and over in one toss, easy!</div><div><br /></div><div>The critters were particularly bold in the afternoon, with one chipmunk scrambling over to check out our tent while I was sitting about 4 feet away. That’s when I decided that I’d hoist my trekking poles (which were not being used for the tent this evening) up in my bear bag. Usually, I’d unset them and put them on the ground near the tent, but with the bold critters, I decided not to leave such salty temptations out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ambrose cooked dinner at the fire pit. I chowed down over there as well since the shade had made it that far. Then I got my bear bag up and we retreated to the tent. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, Ambrose tells me that this next event occurred just after he had a thought. And that thought was, we’re so alone out here. </div><div><br /></div><div>“Hello the camp!” came a man’s voice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another hiker had arrived and would like to also camp here in the shade if we didn’t mind. We didn’t – especially after we learned he was thru hiking the Idaho Centennial Trail! Ambrose let him know I had some info on his upcoming sections and I gave him some details on upcoming sections that no longer had visible trail to follow, but I didn’t get out of the tent to talk. I’m not great around strangers. I wish now that I had gotten out to talk, but when I did finally get out of the tent, I only asked for a photo. No contact info or anything. So, Clay from Washington, if you’re reading this, drop me a line! I’d love to know how your journey turned out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also saw when I emerged from my tent that he also had a Zpacks tent, smart choice. Not a Zpacks pack, but if he’d made it this far, then whatever had had must have been working. He appeared to use his pack for a bear bag, hoisting the whole thing up. We went to bed planning on an early wake up to try and get past the hardest part of our next day’s hike before the sun rose too high. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3rI80hbzmH70zuYajgDFDR7PlClVXz-vztcoI9NMMA2FxkmLzFD2fBOJlbXt2872Zfce9Gu2Ptx9Um-8PM2aLrQcwRhNxsUtrVpFOoqiYOEo9CrPuYpbjvw-243LWNiazCiNu_UBZZ5Zrk--TaNOL8kGMg82sFpzHGedExrLv9QFovhmOSjiUzDW/s5184/R0013471.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3rI80hbzmH70zuYajgDFDR7PlClVXz-vztcoI9NMMA2FxkmLzFD2fBOJlbXt2872Zfce9Gu2Ptx9Um-8PM2aLrQcwRhNxsUtrVpFOoqiYOEo9CrPuYpbjvw-243LWNiazCiNu_UBZZ5Zrk--TaNOL8kGMg82sFpzHGedExrLv9QFovhmOSjiUzDW/w400-h300/R0013471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is ready to start hiking!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRWrDFvqhCvsZoCIB7kq19iZu2fa_tCI9-yxu9w1A8ihuYiRyok1S6f_k8_C_93V7BIwZ_gQohm8qE8gb38uF_T3AMvPJMjQZEF9S93Cd4_lUAhI7sKUfG_MmD0LMfssVoiAt2zVIBhqQ1xOzHwLLRzNhQ9FLFCl0zB_PNefszP1YT6S8Art4bH0F/s5184/R0013473.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRWrDFvqhCvsZoCIB7kq19iZu2fa_tCI9-yxu9w1A8ihuYiRyok1S6f_k8_C_93V7BIwZ_gQohm8qE8gb38uF_T3AMvPJMjQZEF9S93Cd4_lUAhI7sKUfG_MmD0LMfssVoiAt2zVIBhqQ1xOzHwLLRzNhQ9FLFCl0zB_PNefszP1YT6S8Art4bH0F/w400-h300/R0013473.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning picture of me in front of Sheepeater Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUz-E8d6aepq-57UnJHSXm2ebSdLcETPEdSINyqV5vVPxzrKOyBunHd16bf6YHlb-2pfIF41Kxhgf8nzWmCZ3cSvpMwpxuAKld1tJJ9EJptqfjl7Ib1K6KfVgBm_-fz71yyb3-v6yIsCp-Y8QNc_YeQVlW5kh_MNPGcHiXKFAW2t3fIlRqdzQ-Iab/s5184/R0013478.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUz-E8d6aepq-57UnJHSXm2ebSdLcETPEdSINyqV5vVPxzrKOyBunHd16bf6YHlb-2pfIF41Kxhgf8nzWmCZ3cSvpMwpxuAKld1tJJ9EJptqfjl7Ib1K6KfVgBm_-fz71yyb3-v6yIsCp-Y8QNc_YeQVlW5kh_MNPGcHiXKFAW2t3fIlRqdzQ-Iab/w400-h300/R0013478.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose crossing the outlet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgDPrznzswVOARZC6V8K2Jx0tYHpkfpSUdn_hXQm5v98lg9gKd_EsYgPibqIhFFycVlC39KBZL0YZRdA91dVGz1CDZUw_dUPVMYLlYLkHj6l_xcyXg8tmd7x80k5p9KJxT97eN6pJZ2UzC_WBj5WRf6W8RofFC64_hNfN_YZT7_P9QymZG13eVhKF/s5184/R0013480.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgDPrznzswVOARZC6V8K2Jx0tYHpkfpSUdn_hXQm5v98lg9gKd_EsYgPibqIhFFycVlC39KBZL0YZRdA91dVGz1CDZUw_dUPVMYLlYLkHj6l_xcyXg8tmd7x80k5p9KJxT97eN6pJZ2UzC_WBj5WRf6W8RofFC64_hNfN_YZT7_P9QymZG13eVhKF/w400-h300/R0013480.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass in bloom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrdE4AGJf1I4W4cNAKL4gpv24N_BbkI99kNTPlsKgPg59VsjtT8ke73xWDDp9oSujNVibIPgTIaryIBMUXRUNlZ46EFq4dkeclhoLVQcVopwdD7yhsE3YpO4T4G7l-3A0FmUUJG4QyS0jNxBeip4xtf4J02oBbSUVaZJe272_mZ5lc-bi4wdmS-sv/s5184/R0013492.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrdE4AGJf1I4W4cNAKL4gpv24N_BbkI99kNTPlsKgPg59VsjtT8ke73xWDDp9oSujNVibIPgTIaryIBMUXRUNlZ46EFq4dkeclhoLVQcVopwdD7yhsE3YpO4T4G7l-3A0FmUUJG4QyS0jNxBeip4xtf4J02oBbSUVaZJe272_mZ5lc-bi4wdmS-sv/w480-h640/R0013492.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYjgNMcoplYHgfV6quFGjU21yyQwViHb_29m4sRnNj74HvhcnxoRhI5WkjYmyZUOdcFu0L4Dt4oaoXv3_znX1q8LhWWzKRpjicM23a6OdsAeuufsFepR3x4HlXx-N7RH-oZZJ45w6zt5oSKK4_5VUVHQAxsavg-l4GhpsRkeHJ43AexBAMVq6qzmL/s5184/R0013495.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYjgNMcoplYHgfV6quFGjU21yyQwViHb_29m4sRnNj74HvhcnxoRhI5WkjYmyZUOdcFu0L4Dt4oaoXv3_znX1q8LhWWzKRpjicM23a6OdsAeuufsFepR3x4HlXx-N7RH-oZZJ45w6zt5oSKK4_5VUVHQAxsavg-l4GhpsRkeHJ43AexBAMVq6qzmL/w400-h300/R0013495.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass at the start of our descent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpZjWAuz5FyT_BN_qp45UwxAuIyBbike2Y7Kf_2je-9ivqxjW2XR96PV0vNkwKBHc-7sHHVEvezAIB-glMU_reomZsFyPebAQQY_WCK9gOA3AsPVWzT0qfyMmy_b5BUW0eMDHRh8r7bIue2VQNuAUKy961ceI3PKhX_KgWcaqWyxU056ziwBNdQbq/s5184/R0013503.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpZjWAuz5FyT_BN_qp45UwxAuIyBbike2Y7Kf_2je-9ivqxjW2XR96PV0vNkwKBHc-7sHHVEvezAIB-glMU_reomZsFyPebAQQY_WCK9gOA3AsPVWzT0qfyMmy_b5BUW0eMDHRh8r7bIue2VQNuAUKy961ceI3PKhX_KgWcaqWyxU056ziwBNdQbq/w400-h300/R0013503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to head down.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGt5kZhD8LyqskmzeXmFi2FeHM5hEcxBTfUdUGMz_jAXCbDi-F_80HXP1YerHrzz9aof5retOWYM8ihmtgCEd1Wh29lZoHWTMfFut1S4JELf4miQuIB-jNReuNWVMGXhr4uG6KKn0PXcVBmnyIygAeWv_FS3QAwoUXSJFD8ITN89YM8x7i01QKK7-/s5184/R0013506.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGt5kZhD8LyqskmzeXmFi2FeHM5hEcxBTfUdUGMz_jAXCbDi-F_80HXP1YerHrzz9aof5retOWYM8ihmtgCEd1Wh29lZoHWTMfFut1S4JELf4miQuIB-jNReuNWVMGXhr4uG6KKn0PXcVBmnyIygAeWv_FS3QAwoUXSJFD8ITN89YM8x7i01QKK7-/w400-h300/R0013506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay for trail maintenance!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_7qqgO19JJki3-3V2XEsNdb8H54zhBtTcN75NSWBvYUEhCvjPG72CpNzs3Hy-apgZRb04KVGDbisqEQpCNACOI5D6KARh-sli0d0CLDJ-znffi-_3inPpEnyBVI4rGa7QME4yikhd8WFGZ5ypBhHQSJEYjY8V1C3MiZ6gYiUqtjj-Nv3kAfFY9Ox/s5184/R0013508.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_7qqgO19JJki3-3V2XEsNdb8H54zhBtTcN75NSWBvYUEhCvjPG72CpNzs3Hy-apgZRb04KVGDbisqEQpCNACOI5D6KARh-sli0d0CLDJ-znffi-_3inPpEnyBVI4rGa7QME4yikhd8WFGZ5ypBhHQSJEYjY8V1C3MiZ6gYiUqtjj-Nv3kAfFY9Ox/w400-h300/R0013508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This scat was so fresh, I'm surprised we didn't see any wolves.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgnwlVuyN63BhgKEG4OiM_KpTUYPj_mdWr3Z4c-4qiHL1m6M5YuMXTOpi19NZv56rS63VvIaYgh1XeZCbAnQNXWin33zicW2mz6c9Oy8URAl_TZU2aT9M6oBf451F63B8uRHUnlWa_eYsHcVKW_HCVszNdMIy1saUB-us3DxYudeut1sD6CxeOQu1/s5184/R0013509.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgnwlVuyN63BhgKEG4OiM_KpTUYPj_mdWr3Z4c-4qiHL1m6M5YuMXTOpi19NZv56rS63VvIaYgh1XeZCbAnQNXWin33zicW2mz6c9Oy8URAl_TZU2aT9M6oBf451F63B8uRHUnlWa_eYsHcVKW_HCVszNdMIy1saUB-us3DxYudeut1sD6CxeOQu1/w400-h300/R0013509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paw print!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIXearGe4DLFA0HRV3spb7K0rsHiv8QmeHeKyJ-HOfs9NxWrmf8tTaut4Z-cHVXwcJwsgwwfht-6MIBvGyo7AFCMjO3jj59iXDqHC3WaE59GxCOc_ddgQFKTm2p-743jc351MAsstswteHxt31yb1obS8jyN3LHowjtSSbjx-CGvmv3fcu459R-ff/s5184/R0013514.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIXearGe4DLFA0HRV3spb7K0rsHiv8QmeHeKyJ-HOfs9NxWrmf8tTaut4Z-cHVXwcJwsgwwfht-6MIBvGyo7AFCMjO3jj59iXDqHC3WaE59GxCOc_ddgQFKTm2p-743jc351MAsstswteHxt31yb1obS8jyN3LHowjtSSbjx-CGvmv3fcu459R-ff/w400-h300/R0013514.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some great paintbrush blooms on our route.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvFgop5W2gs8uUM1pKUl5cbaRN_xSRRUYCuvuQhid1MxXKG_QsdTx3rqA6zlurrR1LF4035PJrk813jYRcpak54XyIXpLkDGpq8PWQEvVw9KfGVDqDkr7Rqqhgm6ualsO4Gfx9u17-9xnUpHdAKaXc5MgQwsuogahPGFz4bVWX2Lf7yRH8Lgjb5x5/s5184/R0013515.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvFgop5W2gs8uUM1pKUl5cbaRN_xSRRUYCuvuQhid1MxXKG_QsdTx3rqA6zlurrR1LF4035PJrk813jYRcpak54XyIXpLkDGpq8PWQEvVw9KfGVDqDkr7Rqqhgm6ualsO4Gfx9u17-9xnUpHdAKaXc5MgQwsuogahPGFz4bVWX2Lf7yRH8Lgjb5x5/w400-h300/R0013515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moon lingered in the sky as we hiked down the canyon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdrjb2u13Oak287GFGCQvuzVDAPrupLIIAUzskhxencm2ks5onmF_d4epfGTFa6wljlaBHPw2jZsiZcFhVFnct0XPYuiV4qIYgcPQjYH6Fg7u8KeWg8EkQWLR0uU2T2vcuVSw6v8lzoLqvFnvK0l0yI_jDeZeX6kcBI-SUzra07oGOiETAokikrEN/s5184/R0013520.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdrjb2u13Oak287GFGCQvuzVDAPrupLIIAUzskhxencm2ks5onmF_d4epfGTFa6wljlaBHPw2jZsiZcFhVFnct0XPYuiV4qIYgcPQjYH6Fg7u8KeWg8EkQWLR0uU2T2vcuVSw6v8lzoLqvFnvK0l0yI_jDeZeX6kcBI-SUzra07oGOiETAokikrEN/w400-h300/R0013520.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already down to Red Top Meadows!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO-T5cQiFUFaRmIf4MTwGZK_Bf6h9gKbyaE09bhwO46clafvtHUmhmtyblw9kcJAM5oNm4jAXp5CKV2Je6VB9U0PI6sSlQjwnAuf6logFEpy4PEG5RpVOhBUXLt38v6QEGHqrMHcnZmrllO_Q-rWPs7UqmsL1cLi7HFftIxg56pzDSvhe0xKNzuv_/s5184/R0013525.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO-T5cQiFUFaRmIf4MTwGZK_Bf6h9gKbyaE09bhwO46clafvtHUmhmtyblw9kcJAM5oNm4jAXp5CKV2Je6VB9U0PI6sSlQjwnAuf6logFEpy4PEG5RpVOhBUXLt38v6QEGHqrMHcnZmrllO_Q-rWPs7UqmsL1cLi7HFftIxg56pzDSvhe0xKNzuv_/w400-h300/R0013525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a break on the other side of this stream.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYc2ZlrDIq6vPvVsIicP-HsslzQz3unnTJuUxYBlWzzHD5rTupi2FZXMwup_P9dJzxRTKThXfRC20paTAv1cVzhYcKRa2Hc0Ut8FMtMrP1Agw1MqKvAm6ZuoOzQadsIfD26bPB_mlxI8zyf-ikDolpzOSTMqljxTUaIQY9g8gnMc51DFuIFhWGdPj/s5184/R0013532.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYc2ZlrDIq6vPvVsIicP-HsslzQz3unnTJuUxYBlWzzHD5rTupi2FZXMwup_P9dJzxRTKThXfRC20paTAv1cVzhYcKRa2Hc0Ut8FMtMrP1Agw1MqKvAm6ZuoOzQadsIfD26bPB_mlxI8zyf-ikDolpzOSTMqljxTUaIQY9g8gnMc51DFuIFhWGdPj/w400-h300/R0013532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost through Red Top Meadows.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9nBYvHTp99SKwKfsX5QDpa5d34NKHZkeg_4Z3v5zgSPEa04BkGrdCA5CgWMUuedjj_uJkKMFv6XsTjRVbq1HmN_w-WXIUm4d0-OyKr1cXJ2GJx8Hmp1pS8R3kQ_H0waPRInPfeH_8ukOWiDT5WalEwcUX9GDMFdWkd1PTkDLZhJ7_c_cyP8rtT9d/s5184/R0013535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9nBYvHTp99SKwKfsX5QDpa5d34NKHZkeg_4Z3v5zgSPEa04BkGrdCA5CgWMUuedjj_uJkKMFv6XsTjRVbq1HmN_w-WXIUm4d0-OyKr1cXJ2GJx8Hmp1pS8R3kQ_H0waPRInPfeH_8ukOWiDT5WalEwcUX9GDMFdWkd1PTkDLZhJ7_c_cyP8rtT9d/w400-h300/R0013535.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose went into the water first.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OCMkO_GuhbZwH0q0FDWzhlioFye_Ig8HceObks1LuomENUKlFpYvK67WbtUarB1udU0o0y96Msr0s80B62Oo6WTFjNO_6lwak4OcVhodDpKfXRrrxASriiWHXJd3JocSJF1ibhSCvWQyKOvsxuKVCBfD_Sg_-FAZBgU_duNepL7vdBH6HogXrOj2/s5184/R0013540.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OCMkO_GuhbZwH0q0FDWzhlioFye_Ig8HceObks1LuomENUKlFpYvK67WbtUarB1udU0o0y96Msr0s80B62Oo6WTFjNO_6lwak4OcVhodDpKfXRrrxASriiWHXJd3JocSJF1ibhSCvWQyKOvsxuKVCBfD_Sg_-FAZBgU_duNepL7vdBH6HogXrOj2/w400-h300/R0013540.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose watches me hike back to get my pack and take my pants off.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyaTHk035w6tiBrvWN2kJrn7l6QlDNwrfpp9JxVPWkvH5x-HSHoQutIwBnqMJOLNeLl-laFmB-tXGVO4bX4dCjN4bDmiX6IvzWed4EfMOHeLCA2hG86m7BXoXKskX1nZK0ydHSlYdnWJ1vRDwYrwObfYbELWJevHUKMGaXZrB_d-RDvz6QMQL0hFw/s5184/R0013548.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyaTHk035w6tiBrvWN2kJrn7l6QlDNwrfpp9JxVPWkvH5x-HSHoQutIwBnqMJOLNeLl-laFmB-tXGVO4bX4dCjN4bDmiX6IvzWed4EfMOHeLCA2hG86m7BXoXKskX1nZK0ydHSlYdnWJ1vRDwYrwObfYbELWJevHUKMGaXZrB_d-RDvz6QMQL0hFw/w400-h300/R0013548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This water got deep on me quick.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOZFMs2mLsiiKUDATV6bjYXL0B68ZFMUh2VcTouyXhCjKLFhCkDDGT3OCmdD22za2wYMSUn0z19GhOpx7h0iAw4aDi9LdqyfJUNBgJH8a1IxqKaekIBQZBQe-pd8RSNRFngyDzm6zbkXrbxOtuVNREfYa_IeQg2Pwgk8Pxl9jDXU52aI2pZA5tKWm/s5184/R0013554.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOZFMs2mLsiiKUDATV6bjYXL0B68ZFMUh2VcTouyXhCjKLFhCkDDGT3OCmdD22za2wYMSUn0z19GhOpx7h0iAw4aDi9LdqyfJUNBgJH8a1IxqKaekIBQZBQe-pd8RSNRFngyDzm6zbkXrbxOtuVNREfYa_IeQg2Pwgk8Pxl9jDXU52aI2pZA5tKWm/w400-h300/R0013554.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made it across safely.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG7jiNikpZsIs0GxJG-7rTJ6hqPtZ6UK3-X4S93eI4JyL7QvYpPyEe2eDa4X92jYiq5nv3jA6sucXkO4VA_hwQsnGQyq-TxKpZWnU0AxiGYz-c0h3N8AdOpkSX1Hc_69Bi1K8r0Sp8iVKAt3z8M81OGlzgOh1ccSkZt2XX9g36B6LqrVWD6EuTM0a/s5184/R0013555.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG7jiNikpZsIs0GxJG-7rTJ6hqPtZ6UK3-X4S93eI4JyL7QvYpPyEe2eDa4X92jYiq5nv3jA6sucXkO4VA_hwQsnGQyq-TxKpZWnU0AxiGYz-c0h3N8AdOpkSX1Hc_69Bi1K8r0Sp8iVKAt3z8M81OGlzgOh1ccSkZt2XX9g36B6LqrVWD6EuTM0a/w400-h300/R0013555.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail was dry here the first time we came through, but since then it's always been wet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87kxqRyhtIWKVj-s9lqxMObPycdoFrIPa1-hnfV7kVYvyOne0zthEa_KsDNpTeQ67nS8GiRxe42l-5ZhCrV1rUvfwuGVNh9hzJqTxphRalJ625ca4t4ikUW9qWGGXfq-PywDwuYA9NrLnWbMTZ36EsQsKvyu0irJz6rXnjVAgM_arSTJPT9YywxM/s5184/R0013557.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87kxqRyhtIWKVj-s9lqxMObPycdoFrIPa1-hnfV7kVYvyOne0zthEa_KsDNpTeQ67nS8GiRxe42l-5ZhCrV1rUvfwuGVNh9hzJqTxphRalJ625ca4t4ikUW9qWGGXfq-PywDwuYA9NrLnWbMTZ36EsQsKvyu0irJz6rXnjVAgM_arSTJPT9YywxM/w400-h300/R0013557.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beaver mound.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPTwLN8BVLOBi6zYzgGpelITa3AxUHxSPACp9ItOFvhmsW6emDL1o8IV87rAasmQq3cI0W8bLl2b5KD4nXsBn_J5mjaqsT3XGq0T6zNBljDltneGezcMlU6CkUvMGLu_GKiwo-yCHNEUWf07oCOyT3o4-SpUNokGW6c1APjWp2qPETJ4SY9V3LurP/s5184/R0013570.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPTwLN8BVLOBi6zYzgGpelITa3AxUHxSPACp9ItOFvhmsW6emDL1o8IV87rAasmQq3cI0W8bLl2b5KD4nXsBn_J5mjaqsT3XGq0T6zNBljDltneGezcMlU6CkUvMGLu_GKiwo-yCHNEUWf07oCOyT3o4-SpUNokGW6c1APjWp2qPETJ4SY9V3LurP/w400-h300/R0013570.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some lovely mud wallows.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_b8NlWCfFmOc_JmQRmX9TCh_tl5zHeLx-EvudfiXupS6h-ENjCvGteJIitmkwTShy5USsTWRXcDizhSRN7yPG467p1e47pR2gggJ1sEjBeLbMRiXt3M08VcY1qd-qCyNnJ61Ar9AYX3D1TgJRWqxtkvO-ux7ni4hNxfPnuYcIH5RBr1y8CUBfNSB/s5184/R0013573.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_b8NlWCfFmOc_JmQRmX9TCh_tl5zHeLx-EvudfiXupS6h-ENjCvGteJIitmkwTShy5USsTWRXcDizhSRN7yPG467p1e47pR2gggJ1sEjBeLbMRiXt3M08VcY1qd-qCyNnJ61Ar9AYX3D1TgJRWqxtkvO-ux7ni4hNxfPnuYcIH5RBr1y8CUBfNSB/w400-h300/R0013573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last ford of the day.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HnA8mha3s8VUCDT67RkcRRoXNzNciskLF-RNQa3VwZeWw3QoFScwqe_3MuG0FV8Xc5h44E7FJlLpmCC3AwcTze1E2to2jIkb2Xj6_wN_JV529e0kC2XkP4682W9pkncvLupbdX6Mix-XSb0YnhXUvRZHZOB7fIJTort7X34lYN9UrMYrIqHnceDQ/s5184/R0013581.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HnA8mha3s8VUCDT67RkcRRoXNzNciskLF-RNQa3VwZeWw3QoFScwqe_3MuG0FV8Xc5h44E7FJlLpmCC3AwcTze1E2to2jIkb2Xj6_wN_JV529e0kC2XkP4682W9pkncvLupbdX6Mix-XSb0YnhXUvRZHZOB7fIJTort7X34lYN9UrMYrIqHnceDQ/w400-h300/R0013581.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found the old Three Blaze Trail junction.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlp1EoCbI5dnWHO-Wd2d3qLhFZhTMkehO5S3RjKD01UUk5pcVXl-CMQao-rqFeE8qe5w7C91T3Ol1osBqlwpa1dgPwVMQcNEDUEG-Efjn6J8op71nAzWXJti-J4Npv4UYeS1t4UOg9GfjmigP6fZR2ju-KjSMmmIroAKWGbTLvE6rybwmjKJU109D/s5184/R0013587.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlp1EoCbI5dnWHO-Wd2d3qLhFZhTMkehO5S3RjKD01UUk5pcVXl-CMQao-rqFeE8qe5w7C91T3Ol1osBqlwpa1dgPwVMQcNEDUEG-Efjn6J8op71nAzWXJti-J4Npv4UYeS1t4UOg9GfjmigP6fZR2ju-KjSMmmIroAKWGbTLvE6rybwmjKJU109D/w400-h300/R0013587.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose hiking away from me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbz7X4YJ5EuEB6GFuZygtCcb_4768GLqbKxm_E3ySjYL4KHNO2ZeEfcqKB1CDfM2r1oDUN72vMV4dONovjx5ClIUpmN5cVo3lUfnFd6Jk455PrmNRIABlVcYKdXYtfeKMLxx0sMKhU_3iNxDUANFx377BrwjJ5LlheoLPv0KzgkDUTMpDpIe28x9l/s5184/R0013593.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbz7X4YJ5EuEB6GFuZygtCcb_4768GLqbKxm_E3ySjYL4KHNO2ZeEfcqKB1CDfM2r1oDUN72vMV4dONovjx5ClIUpmN5cVo3lUfnFd6Jk455PrmNRIABlVcYKdXYtfeKMLxx0sMKhU_3iNxDUANFx377BrwjJ5LlheoLPv0KzgkDUTMpDpIe28x9l/w400-h300/R0013593.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was hot and my feet were aching.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDs88EiO-WR6bUcBD6CqcCG-OcHXCUd-zHaxd2iko3A5s9bV-sLt6Sj39S4A_5QI2jZeZxEN9OV-PXCmHbINdLehj0NnQu-QWxWX3aCO2YuwMBY8RE8qd3csHD0TgcEGffEAGCNJVWgIQlMRdkETDCtBfAotwgJuuxuLGZT2s-IwOU0K2S1N7UYDR/s5184/R0013595.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDs88EiO-WR6bUcBD6CqcCG-OcHXCUd-zHaxd2iko3A5s9bV-sLt6Sj39S4A_5QI2jZeZxEN9OV-PXCmHbINdLehj0NnQu-QWxWX3aCO2YuwMBY8RE8qd3csHD0TgcEGffEAGCNJVWgIQlMRdkETDCtBfAotwgJuuxuLGZT2s-IwOU0K2S1N7UYDR/w400-h300/R0013595.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least there were lovely flowers up here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-tCXi1u6tOIxvzTqxUYTVXDdf6RjztHBZvmUqbP2KLwNYsVDNRY767_aK3xBg7CIZ8DnCzUT3-eoKxQRzOfQg2zB6qNhXcLrMRHWf8btXLQy8c6ePYJD23OGHLGCXXuGLycrs8pLe1nySZtdjDtRFPf0JRYjqMCjax0ANV2RD0-ALAqyMau_6mwy/s5184/R0013599.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-tCXi1u6tOIxvzTqxUYTVXDdf6RjztHBZvmUqbP2KLwNYsVDNRY767_aK3xBg7CIZ8DnCzUT3-eoKxQRzOfQg2zB6qNhXcLrMRHWf8btXLQy8c6ePYJD23OGHLGCXXuGLycrs8pLe1nySZtdjDtRFPf0JRYjqMCjax0ANV2RD0-ALAqyMau_6mwy/w400-h300/R0013599.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will this plateau never end?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImKu7qQ5qqjyP3y2f6CSp_rI-_wkxMtiPMDAcowqwZU0fJ7VFf3F-_yJmpKg-oMf-qKUJsMpidy54lV43C-rlgJEP6NbP0j7bCKy3_gHMMzcCMOkwb79DELmwjGkGyYOkhu7eiVYnvqAVXqGfVNycuaV6J_ejLSe3FEMY8eHb1ep85Xh53JSxb1gs/s5184/R0013602.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImKu7qQ5qqjyP3y2f6CSp_rI-_wkxMtiPMDAcowqwZU0fJ7VFf3F-_yJmpKg-oMf-qKUJsMpidy54lV43C-rlgJEP6NbP0j7bCKy3_gHMMzcCMOkwb79DELmwjGkGyYOkhu7eiVYnvqAVXqGfVNycuaV6J_ejLSe3FEMY8eHb1ep85Xh53JSxb1gs/w400-h300/R0013602.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last stream crossing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU_SEIHQ1cNjcd8eolzobqSEUPr-kDsgKrinBMxmgBni8UVcQyfvx_oCNiGP_4-mHMhdrS979bPGnsg36l0fkqpZ9d6G6MApS69GiUYysGgIs56T0nn605vtK05R1ACyfB-gg5WeOdAewj5g1pm6T6Yu5krqRfbfYTmBiRSfx6eXGC9Z8_S5TvKo7/s5184/R0013603.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLU_SEIHQ1cNjcd8eolzobqSEUPr-kDsgKrinBMxmgBni8UVcQyfvx_oCNiGP_4-mHMhdrS979bPGnsg36l0fkqpZ9d6G6MApS69GiUYysGgIs56T0nn605vtK05R1ACyfB-gg5WeOdAewj5g1pm6T6Yu5krqRfbfYTmBiRSfx6eXGC9Z8_S5TvKo7/w400-h300/R0013603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pit toilet! Huzzah!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgMp75kgrvmSu2NRauBSCHzE5Lr6AMXLL_322v9jvjE2E3JPZYo0UGQdsT459bubr_1j0kLEJhsUZHftkZY4L2q6cIx6p08ctRoBml33sPNlCNpWsmGyBDhmjFz1jdNT9WfAPK6Or6Km-wvYbC6YOrkOGRLC7PqOLCo6Xv2ELmkSkJ7ByDGc9OJz0/s5184/R0013604.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgMp75kgrvmSu2NRauBSCHzE5Lr6AMXLL_322v9jvjE2E3JPZYo0UGQdsT459bubr_1j0kLEJhsUZHftkZY4L2q6cIx6p08ctRoBml33sPNlCNpWsmGyBDhmjFz1jdNT9WfAPK6Or6Km-wvYbC6YOrkOGRLC7PqOLCo6Xv2ELmkSkJ7ByDGc9OJz0/w400-h300/R0013604.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking over to the shady spot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89LqIoLRsQ_BBY704pLZi-1tmtpDVCTloahjv-5cnc0KmguzvUtaIZwX_CH134AaqAfCaifV4dX5-UoMZp9rFQc3h82jX_oBaz0dp8Cq42SIO6P0fKZCJLNGCkn7MJQVKsc1EAxitIXrn_vM6zNE824liB8dFc3Rd8i644sPnBMmqkPaHT4Gpb5OH/s5184/R0013612.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89LqIoLRsQ_BBY704pLZi-1tmtpDVCTloahjv-5cnc0KmguzvUtaIZwX_CH134AaqAfCaifV4dX5-UoMZp9rFQc3h82jX_oBaz0dp8Cq42SIO6P0fKZCJLNGCkn7MJQVKsc1EAxitIXrn_vM6zNE824liB8dFc3Rd8i644sPnBMmqkPaHT4Gpb5OH/w400-h300/R0013612.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt12iZfZ0BpP4m5GxLb07iAn62G14B58gOlTHqrsUHPM15TVoUdWlv5zggWICMWEqW-5n7K2VwJ4b3PmX1U4wTCUWYy6HWN_b27WdpRCrMwzCGRgzy93sTz6gAN5pA9z-tcuqj6TlhZx-ndDFCBVaL4khZndHprZEcKlimDdxo7jwk9GgN16ZQvaB/s5184/R0013614.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt12iZfZ0BpP4m5GxLb07iAn62G14B58gOlTHqrsUHPM15TVoUdWlv5zggWICMWEqW-5n7K2VwJ4b3PmX1U4wTCUWYy6HWN_b27WdpRCrMwzCGRgzy93sTz6gAN5pA9z-tcuqj6TlhZx-ndDFCBVaL4khZndHprZEcKlimDdxo7jwk9GgN16ZQvaB/w400-h300/R0013614.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bold little critter led me to hang my trekking poles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspNkBfcfY0v-a2YE5hSrCarKV-MwSmh1y6C1J0z9-NR8nuQLQLUN299ZDu-6YL4VMU4YHVLGhTjzUOm2itZYPHaD9_2NfQ4borrWDF3JeRZB8BUXWTVVjZ561pUVUEHZkuf1Uh8BWREGmyDPuUcBfxq2LWfbPFuCMAA_CwfsCHVvEsWKnGOZhxF_B/s5184/R0013615.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspNkBfcfY0v-a2YE5hSrCarKV-MwSmh1y6C1J0z9-NR8nuQLQLUN299ZDu-6YL4VMU4YHVLGhTjzUOm2itZYPHaD9_2NfQ4borrWDF3JeRZB8BUXWTVVjZ561pUVUEHZkuf1Uh8BWREGmyDPuUcBfxq2LWfbPFuCMAA_CwfsCHVvEsWKnGOZhxF_B/w400-h300/R0013615.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice tent site, with plenty of shade.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KZmqQHnPVHSFlsTTE3pC54MWcXCfuI_KV1otjEQxgrbgOlKZCD70nsi0c_x1nY0u0IR3cmyZ8cGVFaL6gLyGdBcj7jMhzRzhFJ5i8WC_Cgk_nirN7lbPlalPNLxyTn1PaCHQ3utmnAkyFbBx3utUtVyjD4edjQ8X3FApf8HMYXlCuyToq2ZGdhpr/s5184/R0013621.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KZmqQHnPVHSFlsTTE3pC54MWcXCfuI_KV1otjEQxgrbgOlKZCD70nsi0c_x1nY0u0IR3cmyZ8cGVFaL6gLyGdBcj7jMhzRzhFJ5i8WC_Cgk_nirN7lbPlalPNLxyTn1PaCHQ3utmnAkyFbBx3utUtVyjD4edjQ8X3FApf8HMYXlCuyToq2ZGdhpr/w400-h300/R0013621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A convenient spot to prepare and eat dinner.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAx2yiN_fifmXNooPHt2gQ-ZUowCaU6HLJKwx6BvNEE4FlUXvqXlTbiuVgkhPS1CbJh7e3hjTbysEkh2WarjztCjE0YNXp-JBywi6QqIubNg5iUVSyX_Bp592GlApfv14wlYuKm5x-ikeoBQDaPcMX5_B-myce4fgwuCFiV254pya7DSeleevGnuv/s5184/R0013626.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAx2yiN_fifmXNooPHt2gQ-ZUowCaU6HLJKwx6BvNEE4FlUXvqXlTbiuVgkhPS1CbJh7e3hjTbysEkh2WarjztCjE0YNXp-JBywi6QqIubNg5iUVSyX_Bp592GlApfv14wlYuKm5x-ikeoBQDaPcMX5_B-myce4fgwuCFiV254pya7DSeleevGnuv/w400-h300/R0013626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really easy place to hang a bear bag.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjVaCnrT4T118KmV0ys9wfhR_kLqSNwUczgkgyrT9LbsTHCrSdQJ7Y1vrXvqQIuvHaXRduCAnUOllX90MkuYeMNsbCKHL-JXzFUumNKHzEb7gBS_AGhlYX_9cn70PY0gslWYNgM9OlZtLL__8ltGPWjZ_oXJ6nWtfG8ciPIC_RmPC_VBQRkNvfYdj/s5184/R0013633.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjVaCnrT4T118KmV0ys9wfhR_kLqSNwUczgkgyrT9LbsTHCrSdQJ7Y1vrXvqQIuvHaXRduCAnUOllX90MkuYeMNsbCKHL-JXzFUumNKHzEb7gBS_AGhlYX_9cn70PY0gslWYNgM9OlZtLL__8ltGPWjZ_oXJ6nWtfG8ciPIC_RmPC_VBQRkNvfYdj/w400-h300/R0013633.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a little better at the selfies. Just a little.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yRGlbtveO6xKqVH_zr4E5yky23_xLqnK646bq9Ky1d-OKlUVUmtarh4tj57wB5nCr13dPJA1zPQ8LUlLTWEdyBDa9ske28pcwWJk0nLBwzSDy5kd4QuQV991djnsgCIT5ZyE1vpUSZjSKQe-FoHc62TbMU-bMMMO9r9YhajFj_I4M4cMWkOPbcMO/s5184/R0013635.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yRGlbtveO6xKqVH_zr4E5yky23_xLqnK646bq9Ky1d-OKlUVUmtarh4tj57wB5nCr13dPJA1zPQ8LUlLTWEdyBDa9ske28pcwWJk0nLBwzSDy5kd4QuQV991djnsgCIT5ZyE1vpUSZjSKQe-FoHc62TbMU-bMMMO9r9YhajFj_I4M4cMWkOPbcMO/w400-h300/R0013635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normally, I wouldn't post a stranger's picture on my blog, but I'd really like to get in touch with this ICT hiker.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-3600326458082096092022-08-31T08:00:00.001-06:002022-08-31T13:26:36.463-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 3 Part 2<div>I knew that the direct approach would likely result in Ambrose hardening his determination not to go up to the lookout, so at no point did I ask him again about going. Instead, I stayed silent on the subject for a while, as we hiked on through the other section I always forget. After the long climb, there's a pretty forested section. And then there's another old burn area. </div><div><br></div><div>This burn area isn't as old as the earlier ridge, so there aren't many living trees, not even little ones. There are still a lot of old snags standing, but the shade they cast is limited. And the dirt is sandy and rocky, without a whole lot of growing things. I had to stop to dig another hole there. I wanted to wait, but my body wasn't having that. </div><div><br></div><div>The tarn is just past that last burned area. Whatever fire passed through the area didn't hit the trees right around the water, so there is shade and camping to be had there. I wasn't sure we would have been able to find enough room for two tents, but since Bill was not with us, there was no need for that. </div><div><br></div><div>We only glanced at the tarn as we hiked on. I talked to Ambrose about my plans to go up to the lookout today instead of the next day. Because I didn't want to get up early and backtrack. Because I didn't believe that I would follow through with backtracking, no matter how good my intentions. Best to get it done while we're up on the ridge. </div><div><br></div><div>But I never asked him to come with me. </div><div><br></div><div>There was more bear grass blooming as we got closer and closer to the lookout junction. This area was burned not that long ago too, and the trail can get very rocky, but in a good way. Some sections are like rock bridges laid along the dirt. </div><div><br></div><div>Before we reached the last approach to the junction, Ambrose announced that he was hiking up to the lookout with me. I was so happy! I knew he was pushing himself and getting tired, but he was going to make the effort anyway. </div><div><br></div><div>We did agree, however, that we would be leaving our packs at the junction. There's some level of risk involved with leaving our packs by the side of the trail, but it was a risk we were willing to take to avoid hauling that extra weight up on a side trip. </div><div><br></div><div>We've walked by that trail junction 4 times before, and now, finally, we were going to walk up it. And up really is the word. It's not a long distance, but it's steep, about 300 feet in a quarter mile. There was even some snow next to the trail close enough for me to grab some and put it under my hat - it was hot! I did bring my at-hand bag and camera so I could take pictures. Pics or it didn't happen, right? </div><div><br></div><div>Ambrose walked in front, and I took pictures and followed. The lookout wasn't in view at the junction, but it started to come into view as we got closer. The final approach was all rocks. There were two rock paths, and we took the left one, though it turned out they both led to the same place. </div><div><br></div><div>We were greeted by barking. Two small dogs were running around the balcony of the lookout, alerting the man inside that he had visitors. He emerged and Ambrose and I got to meet Logan, along with his doggies, Loki and Leia. Logan invited us inside, despite the fact that we were stinky backpackers. I guess, out there, everyone and everything gets a bit stinky, so who cares? </div><div><br></div><div>I loved seeing the inside of an actual working fire lookout. It's a single room that functions as bedroom, office, kitchen, living room and other uses as needed. I saw books, puzzles, and finished models - all things that make sense for a job with such isolation. </div><div><br></div><div>Ambrose sent messages to his family, but I'd left my inReach at the junction, so I just took pictures and chatted with Logan a bit. Before we left, Logan had us sign the guest book. We were the fourth and fifth guests to visit this year. </div><div><br></div><div>I think Logan might have enjoyed it if we had visited a bit longer, but it was getting close to 5pm. We needed to go and make sure our packs were okay, and we also needed to make camp and dinner. Lest we get hangry. </div><div><br></div><div>The hike back down to the junction went quickly. I can't say I was happy to put the pack back on, but I was glad that it was still there, unmolested. Then it was time to haul ourselves down to the level of the lake, about 500 feet of descent. But it's pretty good trail. We've hiked it before, and a pack train had recently traversed it, clearing most of the deadfall. (The pack train resupplied Logan.)</div><div><br></div><div>As we hiked, Ambrose kept a damp towel on his neck. It was a towel he'd found at the Big Creek Campground over the 4th of July. It was in the bushes, hanging by a carabiner. Since no one was at the campground, Ambrose snagged it and he was using it on this trip. </div><div><br></div><div>Unfortunately, putting it on his neck prevented him from being able to use the 'biner to secure it. And, at some point between when we started down and when we got to the campsite, it fell off. I didn't notice it fall, and neither of us were in the mood to go back and try and find it. I just hope someone finds it and picks it up. If he does that again, I recommended hooking the 'biner into a buttonhole on his shirt collar. We'll see if that works once he gets another towel with a 'biner attachment. </div><div><br></div><div>We actually walked past the campsite at first; it had been a while since we'd been there. And it really was past time for us to be eating dinner. Plus, we were half expecting to see the three young men from earlier, but we never saw a sign of them. They must have gone on to Fish Lake or cut around to Cutthroat Lake. Or even the unnamed lake between Sheepeater and Cutthroat. After a bit of backtracking, we found the spot that we'd used before. There's an illegal fire ring there. Or there was - we told the ranger at Big Creek about it, and I won't be surprised if it's gone next time I go to Sheepeater Lake. </div><div><br></div><div>Ambrose headed to the lake to get water while I scouted out a tent site. The last time we'd camped here, we were using a Zpacks Duplex, and now we have the Triplex, which is quite a bit wider. I wasn't sure we'd fit where I pitched before, so I did a bit of exploring. </div><div><br></div><div>Everywhere I looked, the ground was either not flat, or full of logs or not big enough. I wanted to find a better spot, but I ended up back where I started. I just had to squish the Triplex into a very small space, surrounded by fallen logs on two sides, small but living trees on one side and bushes on the fourth. It was a tight fit. </div><div><br></div><div>Ambrose came back with the water and started on the cooking. I wouldn't have put the tent up before eating dinner, but if I didn't keep myself occupied, I would have started gnawing on my clothes. Dinner could not be ready fast enough. </div><div><br></div><div>Though, when dinner was finally ready, I ended up taking a break from eating to get my bear rope hung. And while I was away, Ambrose accidentally kicked over my food! Luckily, only a bit of the juice got lost. We usually prepare the dehydrated meals with a bit of extra water, so even my macaroni and cheese had a bit of liquid to spill. </div><div><br></div><div>Sheepeater Ridge is west of where we were camped, which meant the sun disappeared a lot earlier than when we were camped up on the ridge. But it still wasn't getting very cool. The mosquitos would not quit, so after eating we retreated to the tent. </div><div><br></div><div>In the night sometime, we were both awake. I didn't hear anything, but I sleep with a buff over my eyes and ears, partly for warmth and partly as a sleep mask. But Ambrose heard something, a scrabbling, chattering noise of some creature messing with the Ursack. He yelled out to scare it off and gave me quite a start since I hadn't heard the animal. </div><p></p><div></div><p></p><div>I was surprised to fall back asleep so soon after that, but it had been a long day. </div><div><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZznXH0ztANSIKXSGndaLShkDnS5SZKhtkKQqFF6yeZUVeaP87M2JhjgKWvoWlRArymqdhFOp4U_On7uF2Nl-d6WLv1NuKqt0rqE84qiuA7NOFEvG5Gw8F9xZqTm5RkJ6caQraCfrZ0YVaX0M2mBcn2HOr5f1li1VMRK-ZSHYvFXLz12aA7UxL0KW/s5184/R0013416.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZznXH0ztANSIKXSGndaLShkDnS5SZKhtkKQqFF6yeZUVeaP87M2JhjgKWvoWlRArymqdhFOp4U_On7uF2Nl-d6WLv1NuKqt0rqE84qiuA7NOFEvG5Gw8F9xZqTm5RkJ6caQraCfrZ0YVaX0M2mBcn2HOr5f1li1VMRK-ZSHYvFXLz12aA7UxL0KW/w400-h300/R0013416.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare log across the trail.<br></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyACXFXGkyU2u6vGAqdoBvypB6B58He3aWOl-M1uhf5s3bd5NdQqtpc5y7poWu_KRSw152tSB6NDm1Uz3wXEIiWBybl7GRH0HnjiadBdHnX_q7A2eIPjwzccLPcbI9G6B1EBox13k5geBOsyWc1i8b8SIxpy8Y5aE_uoJzZIorwBnFw090-7bd0Zvw/s5184/R0013419.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyACXFXGkyU2u6vGAqdoBvypB6B58He3aWOl-M1uhf5s3bd5NdQqtpc5y7poWu_KRSw152tSB6NDm1Uz3wXEIiWBybl7GRH0HnjiadBdHnX_q7A2eIPjwzccLPcbI9G6B1EBox13k5geBOsyWc1i8b8SIxpy8Y5aE_uoJzZIorwBnFw090-7bd0Zvw/w400-h300/R0013419.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a bit of shade through here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidi9bonNA4qtiLsGs_dhbyYr86hFmAnZaEUCpn3lTstYrAeQ8mhEtU2ybt4rn7Q0SBZ1Oy4auPqHCIUWEZ5pIFdKuZULDIud4I-HiQP1iJpHdSac_ZGlC3gF7nFV4kwyiUSTVOVbvewK3J647Mq_TE8xPicZaan3lNS8uwW36hTs-6xumzAMhHMKIx/s5184/R0013421.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidi9bonNA4qtiLsGs_dhbyYr86hFmAnZaEUCpn3lTstYrAeQ8mhEtU2ybt4rn7Q0SBZ1Oy4auPqHCIUWEZ5pIFdKuZULDIud4I-HiQP1iJpHdSac_ZGlC3gF7nFV4kwyiUSTVOVbvewK3J647Mq_TE8xPicZaan3lNS8uwW36hTs-6xumzAMhHMKIx/w400-h300/R0013421.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting close to the tarn...</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_lA3KtuZHyuRTrVrNDX1xrqYLRuKWecz0U82qa9txKLD3qYlr2oTBVsBvDF6St94KlLwrvVNDJysT7ArFXgWUz4opYbAzO6xU-BHJ8B2nuBZexanpJH1CYNk0WNS5DLFCWUsRi4zmsarz35_yhG_l9EN2ctil_iFVCucGd8kUv_L6FJOLUOYuU_J/s5184/R0013423.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_lA3KtuZHyuRTrVrNDX1xrqYLRuKWecz0U82qa9txKLD3qYlr2oTBVsBvDF6St94KlLwrvVNDJysT7ArFXgWUz4opYbAzO6xU-BHJ8B2nuBZexanpJH1CYNk0WNS5DLFCWUsRi4zmsarz35_yhG_l9EN2ctil_iFVCucGd8kUv_L6FJOLUOYuU_J/w400-h300/R0013423.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There it is! </td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX4nAxZfH_Twptzn4KzsvmrTlqh-wMo611FfVH-SxhK-WDowKbKvuygFExiMte-XlrPxdAsFl82r_9b8OEDh1CzR6EfjqE_HMOgdE-uyScnIAEKoTi27t8PpV0yCCL6y1FmAAos_yD_GZT82ag9yMpa0OIE5ZZgIiGbjET46ZbF3cYlan1OsVS3Rt/s5184/R0013424.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX4nAxZfH_Twptzn4KzsvmrTlqh-wMo611FfVH-SxhK-WDowKbKvuygFExiMte-XlrPxdAsFl82r_9b8OEDh1CzR6EfjqE_HMOgdE-uyScnIAEKoTi27t8PpV0yCCL6y1FmAAos_yD_GZT82ag9yMpa0OIE5ZZgIiGbjET46ZbF3cYlan1OsVS3Rt/w400-h300/R0013424.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked by the tarn.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX41aGvz2ko4lCgi9N7OY_EnvryIipBDTkbzBjAnj0gzUtxY7sld6FVWJXrWPCbyhTEuDY3UJt997z0a53QXbVQE2W3u-UapQUs6g91VTCOkGcBVyfgRfYTetxS0bOQKYibN0bHDX4v2OuKOtuQZrlYZFhBT0qxGYduIqiQNEIKMSvKOt8fkNqNbT/s5184/R0013427.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX41aGvz2ko4lCgi9N7OY_EnvryIipBDTkbzBjAnj0gzUtxY7sld6FVWJXrWPCbyhTEuDY3UJt997z0a53QXbVQE2W3u-UapQUs6g91VTCOkGcBVyfgRfYTetxS0bOQKYibN0bHDX4v2OuKOtuQZrlYZFhBT0qxGYduIqiQNEIKMSvKOt8fkNqNbT/w400-h300/R0013427.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More paintbrushes and some pretty yellow flowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjXKXRnK2Ye5wGFP0QWX43J_5dIXhgftk-TH9yXOR5b4imGf6iYPy3BAzfUM-6Gbydeb9GF7QQxu0V9Z7XHi8KicwtEwt-GbjVrDcgH9Eigg1IY5XJjAvg49FIHeQE3pNLHLc6lnrwxe8SdjnU4mup0jsEjOuSknyDFqQfO7tQzL-_QX8IjkNxAFr/s5184/R0013431.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjXKXRnK2Ye5wGFP0QWX43J_5dIXhgftk-TH9yXOR5b4imGf6iYPy3BAzfUM-6Gbydeb9GF7QQxu0V9Z7XHi8KicwtEwt-GbjVrDcgH9Eigg1IY5XJjAvg49FIHeQE3pNLHLc6lnrwxe8SdjnU4mup0jsEjOuSknyDFqQfO7tQzL-_QX8IjkNxAFr/w400-h300/R0013431.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our packs were tucked just off the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtQntMfl_mZkTbmewUUlwt7WkezgvYVv8XOkFqXKLrx4AUDCFTJgyT5mlHcplN2Gni7OYD3DfWPwASPrhV92OsVXFr8sqqWjorljibtR7vMSMmoUzSza0BgZXsLyROORBlTZGmV1TWqV_q2zq5EuCumXgc5M241miiE9plzXcqW2rPALDKj5-y45T/s5184/R0013432.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtQntMfl_mZkTbmewUUlwt7WkezgvYVv8XOkFqXKLrx4AUDCFTJgyT5mlHcplN2Gni7OYD3DfWPwASPrhV92OsVXFr8sqqWjorljibtR7vMSMmoUzSza0BgZXsLyROORBlTZGmV1TWqV_q2zq5EuCumXgc5M241miiE9plzXcqW2rPALDKj5-y45T/w400-h300/R0013432.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view down to Sheepeater Lake from the trail to the lookout.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYhGnynxK23O7oARGYXyYSLyeiq8KBXkmo-JF89oHkgLklcJDNdxhim8fN4TMw2MwZEaNrOCEiz8ijeu4Ylk6K5ndVFsPLWOSclE-3zQxy2tZAHw1yfvAVgGKPH_pBe7BNoGpdP8nVaVGxSgbMMHrtwdarHpFtXqLdARttqtJPGtmYHoWnuL4VXJC/s5184/R0013434.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYhGnynxK23O7oARGYXyYSLyeiq8KBXkmo-JF89oHkgLklcJDNdxhim8fN4TMw2MwZEaNrOCEiz8ijeu4Ylk6K5ndVFsPLWOSclE-3zQxy2tZAHw1yfvAVgGKPH_pBe7BNoGpdP8nVaVGxSgbMMHrtwdarHpFtXqLdARttqtJPGtmYHoWnuL4VXJC/w400-h300/R0013434.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail to the lookout was very steep.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XiuyyCw8bAs74ZWLtNWZ2IUqV7QbLFt_vob_S4ohpAERAOjD83-JEi34cKnoqGb00tdXwLzp-4-FGbHrqrCWoaMTkDyvc534mXA4gYU4jQpFIaNBL7I5ahSxzNTMejKsDocSjBeyEfHbVh449Cq1okivpWtxEA6mIYEjb-2RAVnnPe1daAaF5zV5/s5184/R0013436.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XiuyyCw8bAs74ZWLtNWZ2IUqV7QbLFt_vob_S4ohpAERAOjD83-JEi34cKnoqGb00tdXwLzp-4-FGbHrqrCWoaMTkDyvc534mXA4gYU4jQpFIaNBL7I5ahSxzNTMejKsDocSjBeyEfHbVh449Cq1okivpWtxEA6mIYEjb-2RAVnnPe1daAaF5zV5/w400-h300/R0013436.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still so far away!</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxMUzJsqWnNRq_Ukxf-NQsMG8Rm5DfjG5qURfcTHgrXrZw7x_x9P39LSF4xXT2rudwTeRH2etyvw8Gv6bSxv4Y9vEeR8Gz1vfhzxiolZrQXJyMByYEz_cgdxUdp-cgAxgd_wuZA-eq5TZwyDOXKdtnoTkqFAqM-PCBESWADn6YLnwxV-0c5ksVyjA/s5184/R0013438.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxMUzJsqWnNRq_Ukxf-NQsMG8Rm5DfjG5qURfcTHgrXrZw7x_x9P39LSF4xXT2rudwTeRH2etyvw8Gv6bSxv4Y9vEeR8Gz1vfhzxiolZrQXJyMByYEz_cgdxUdp-cgAxgd_wuZA-eq5TZwyDOXKdtnoTkqFAqM-PCBESWADn6YLnwxV-0c5ksVyjA/w400-h300/R0013438.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer!</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJJojVq0gUsLQI38dbQzKash0w8co60ykpBN82urVMyjTRBTCynGdc_WnrqDsFZAmRez3p2ldl2RHgDBDe2gOWGK4wZTq8_LdQYx3W7Jrhz0hoB4wtCgM2yn2WWnYfsQ_6zUcL4rkjf1uAHYY3WowWuRo5NfMBWGMIp4J73B2cTOI9isqXm8OJV8l/s5184/R0013441.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJJojVq0gUsLQI38dbQzKash0w8co60ykpBN82urVMyjTRBTCynGdc_WnrqDsFZAmRez3p2ldl2RHgDBDe2gOWGK4wZTq8_LdQYx3W7Jrhz0hoB4wtCgM2yn2WWnYfsQ_6zUcL4rkjf1uAHYY3WowWuRo5NfMBWGMIp4J73B2cTOI9isqXm8OJV8l/w400-h300/R0013441.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely worth the uphill hike. . .</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJqSSszqt_8c1wqNhngmYSJgAjgfvEZvh3WQh-HPSSB0HQN4qRnFqJOeTD-E0We7ZFbARJ054h-dPHXomiVywFiRxDhUcsCGKVcSJ_V5y4wAT-kfxERw6jQnCBAP2OcyG-rz893Sgn6GyBp0GXn_lHAghzds5TvRSNyFznqEdf6rN2al3wwdMKXDY/s5184/R0013442.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJqSSszqt_8c1wqNhngmYSJgAjgfvEZvh3WQh-HPSSB0HQN4qRnFqJOeTD-E0We7ZFbARJ054h-dPHXomiVywFiRxDhUcsCGKVcSJ_V5y4wAT-kfxERw6jQnCBAP2OcyG-rz893Sgn6GyBp0GXn_lHAghzds5TvRSNyFznqEdf6rN2al3wwdMKXDY/w400-h300/R0013442.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steps up to the lookout.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecBxikk4cCzvuULHUe-eTbL2Ytcq0s9-LpKbdG-ubYiKJYYbPCSQyH5DuGJWmTr1kp_RvPn78t44Z9BnM2gyzgshaSQb9CaZn_zXOVAmf8nUNmNoqNskUTUHcM8_8XVhwdoDIB-1MnlJ3pOUm3Gw7yNpx4JQotiiksq8kmGvmHKz0hXKIiRC4plPO/s5184/R0013446.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecBxikk4cCzvuULHUe-eTbL2Ytcq0s9-LpKbdG-ubYiKJYYbPCSQyH5DuGJWmTr1kp_RvPn78t44Z9BnM2gyzgshaSQb9CaZn_zXOVAmf8nUNmNoqNskUTUHcM8_8XVhwdoDIB-1MnlJ3pOUm3Gw7yNpx4JQotiiksq8kmGvmHKz0hXKIiRC4plPO/w400-h300/R0013446.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, we're getting there with the selfies.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYaDrZDgoy4E3wGlCgwVMO9jVWCH0rMEmjv18tAQU8DIEQ4jVtKPGqNGyxuIv412Nh3hVPPQwfCktueZzBxepPGeypwXPDOxpUpmLdueIH5vYNkn8POLuBHRVh1_QfZ9DB6nIDwh7Hq6uHaqo6_A2GK-95pGA1QlMzxO7ctSpN-W1pbvexDhSDEku/s5184/R0013448.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYaDrZDgoy4E3wGlCgwVMO9jVWCH0rMEmjv18tAQU8DIEQ4jVtKPGqNGyxuIv412Nh3hVPPQwfCktueZzBxepPGeypwXPDOxpUpmLdueIH5vYNkn8POLuBHRVh1_QfZ9DB6nIDwh7Hq6uHaqo6_A2GK-95pGA1QlMzxO7ctSpN-W1pbvexDhSDEku/w400-h300/R0013448.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Ambrose is getting good at taking pictures of me!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpbl84XdF613Ry2hi2_UIfvEvQwGSsb03f7MSNE8zeaw9_0PlhWs74LdOozP89NQMJ3FQL4VZDA_hSwWuV_5T03JT4nHRaw-KxugTqrN8QqDasEZ6moWU3zWZFjZJXBDbmCPskVB6NexFgvV00pkFMpTPWZZFiuB5tCN0e4WLmOjMYftNj3TebvE4/s5184/R0013454.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpbl84XdF613Ry2hi2_UIfvEvQwGSsb03f7MSNE8zeaw9_0PlhWs74LdOozP89NQMJ3FQL4VZDA_hSwWuV_5T03JT4nHRaw-KxugTqrN8QqDasEZ6moWU3zWZFjZJXBDbmCPskVB6NexFgvV00pkFMpTPWZZFiuB5tCN0e4WLmOjMYftNj3TebvE4/w400-h300/R0013454.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to the packs!</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKDNJofA2C60qqV0G1xL2WtpXjDrsCnHsosiWnBvSZ_Y5StIdSz6RgRfxNa8VesGC08PSHqOAT6ka0Gdq2UNPHBGCgvNGyVUtZv6DT8ieiJqX72a8AEs3o9daL12zPBp25U5_um8EoAwJAhy_Ujil806_2XKB-kIaykdDLCNM785eoAptkS5udeeR/s5184/R0013455.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKDNJofA2C60qqV0G1xL2WtpXjDrsCnHsosiWnBvSZ_Y5StIdSz6RgRfxNa8VesGC08PSHqOAT6ka0Gdq2UNPHBGCgvNGyVUtZv6DT8ieiJqX72a8AEs3o9daL12zPBp25U5_um8EoAwJAhy_Ujil806_2XKB-kIaykdDLCNM785eoAptkS5udeeR/w400-h300/R0013455.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're going down to that lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyOxMvbm4B006Bko_BFgwsSAqiehxJ9v81IRtj6_Gu7S8emnP68dUjFOpw6MKOGOu59ZeP7zjXp97gCgFUAWS2ra5mRZmjwWQHaDuLC2mj1282fDowaFu0-zHQW3uulCBfSZKnyesJQD0bwHjfArMsNoeGbrxL8qLHGDfOkIJ6cbkV_4ysQvHV2Ql/s5184/R0013458.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyOxMvbm4B006Bko_BFgwsSAqiehxJ9v81IRtj6_Gu7S8emnP68dUjFOpw6MKOGOu59ZeP7zjXp97gCgFUAWS2ra5mRZmjwWQHaDuLC2mj1282fDowaFu0-zHQW3uulCBfSZKnyesJQD0bwHjfArMsNoeGbrxL8qLHGDfOkIJ6cbkV_4ysQvHV2Ql/w400-h300/R0013458.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As long as we don't fall off the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANxp0tOC2xPEIa9vdZxhVNxTxXyFnskVfdJm8yKpPWK8WX4V5Oo9wCED4E_p2JBFin0VJn6PVrcS_AloSfhOp8l2zi5awAxSO4R0_71kKXv1kTqDXxy6aqpsLgEjS7L1zlPzTuWauojka0IHXTfkL9GXj9yIl2Es1RCfvZ7R3-QlFbpwoqxLJUB8G/s5184/R0013459.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANxp0tOC2xPEIa9vdZxhVNxTxXyFnskVfdJm8yKpPWK8WX4V5Oo9wCED4E_p2JBFin0VJn6PVrcS_AloSfhOp8l2zi5awAxSO4R0_71kKXv1kTqDXxy6aqpsLgEjS7L1zlPzTuWauojka0IHXTfkL9GXj9yIl2Es1RCfvZ7R3-QlFbpwoqxLJUB8G/w400-h300/R0013459.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is the towel still on Ambrose's neck?</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHm15lqV9ruiYI-QwL3Lr5vIeUTQZIG0xlTIShkBplJYDgQW5BWxB20mJZPVwRNE1nsU-x2Fn0XVsGpHs2Cr-aqPB-Bfr-iSCJ4ANOIn2RSHGMSN7pIN5N0XrbDKbJxBS6uPPhB-dF2kcMKaIa2reCUTDawvGfJ4f42yVTl9Sj-TnOqvAMFU0r8da/s5184/R0013463.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHm15lqV9ruiYI-QwL3Lr5vIeUTQZIG0xlTIShkBplJYDgQW5BWxB20mJZPVwRNE1nsU-x2Fn0XVsGpHs2Cr-aqPB-Bfr-iSCJ4ANOIn2RSHGMSN7pIN5N0XrbDKbJxBS6uPPhB-dF2kcMKaIa2reCUTDawvGfJ4f42yVTl9Sj-TnOqvAMFU0r8da/w400-h300/R0013463.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More yellow flowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJR4W4JMO9gItcm0Cy32JfwejnFMdaMAeD9i3jj44oeGZ7puz8X--8EPrPYth0AYN96GW97DinhT5fordEdffwZskwDWRlQZUoh_nyKhYyYBXuN1Pqd4XcE6IXnLu_HciNSpglpYOzQ0r6lyWMfFYbXugQ_QYRsQ0em0jE0uNe-hhQ5AqrYWyocGK/s5184/R0013467.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJR4W4JMO9gItcm0Cy32JfwejnFMdaMAeD9i3jj44oeGZ7puz8X--8EPrPYth0AYN96GW97DinhT5fordEdffwZskwDWRlQZUoh_nyKhYyYBXuN1Pqd4XcE6IXnLu_HciNSpglpYOzQ0r6lyWMfFYbXugQ_QYRsQ0em0jE0uNe-hhQ5AqrYWyocGK/w400-h300/R0013467.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A teeny tiny campsite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHH1U0z_RJDOBqLf_GEEGfZIYqd82KkHssD3mhM3fTt1YVgW7S9nMUaCO-qo-Fo_qzgnVn6slvab0UZzjMJZ_Omhiwc4HD37kDi36M686juTQDXfVoPJs_aYAPZCjzmDeR-p1CcUikyZEVP_SQoix8pZ4JUrcCG4hewYxTD5s1YUkWx2Vo8b2rR4-/s5184/R0013468.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHH1U0z_RJDOBqLf_GEEGfZIYqd82KkHssD3mhM3fTt1YVgW7S9nMUaCO-qo-Fo_qzgnVn6slvab0UZzjMJZ_Omhiwc4HD37kDi36M686juTQDXfVoPJs_aYAPZCjzmDeR-p1CcUikyZEVP_SQoix8pZ4JUrcCG4hewYxTD5s1YUkWx2Vo8b2rR4-/w400-h300/R0013468.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We cooked near the fire ring, but did not light a fire, because that's illegal at this location.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQozafHSWWOWwLVVVSogeASDIkV8Xxb_dsxIoWwFBk9pJP4XdC8-rsQQ4DwXfEBonrp1Xq3nHeZiYMRezUb8hCc4PxDNbvhEJbYF6nhU0SSdSJ8vow1dioQbSCfBjJQQ1OwTJEzQKo2jh85WtwmECEzZ68cuvA8QQi6FBO1HqyxJfIiNMLUYjuwzy/s5184/R0013470.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQozafHSWWOWwLVVVSogeASDIkV8Xxb_dsxIoWwFBk9pJP4XdC8-rsQQ4DwXfEBonrp1Xq3nHeZiYMRezUb8hCc4PxDNbvhEJbYF6nhU0SSdSJ8vow1dioQbSCfBjJQQ1OwTJEzQKo2jh85WtwmECEzZ68cuvA8QQi6FBO1HqyxJfIiNMLUYjuwzy/w400-h300/R0013470.JPG" width="400"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose had a filtering system set up in a tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><br><div><br></div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-64985638420149540282022-08-24T08:00:00.001-06:002022-08-24T08:00:00.236-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 3 Part 1<p>Today was going to be the longest day of hiking for us on the whole trip. We were going to hike from Mosquito Springs all the way to Sheepeater Lake - a modification on our original plan. When Bill was still coming with us, we were going to spend this night at the tarn, a small body of water where frogs like to congregate. The tarn is about a mile from where the trail has a junction to go down to Sheepeater Lake, or up to the Sheepeater Lookout. </p><div>Our mantra for this day was the old one about eating the elephant. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. All we needed to do was keep putting one foot in front of the other. And the first bit we needed to chomp down on was getting to Chicken Peak. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got up at the same time as the day before, 5:30 am, and got to work. No time to dilly-dally! And no need, because it was again so warm (relatively, like 60's). I didn't feel rushed as I filled up my pack, took down the tent and fetched my bear bag. It was going to take the time it took. After warmups, we were off. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sun hadn't quite come into view as we started, though it quickly caught us. We were on the ridgeline, after all, up high with nothing to block the sun's rays. The trail was in good shape, and we moved quickly, finding snow on the trail, but not too much. It seemed like no time at all before we reached the pair of springs that we were so overjoyed to find the first time. This time we walked on by, no need to get water there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ambrose again stepped off the trail to catch some better views, and he continued to talk while backpacking. His fitness has improved so much! In fact, it's almost gotten annoying for me. See, he's hiking faster now. I can now follow him without feeling like I'm going excessively slow. But that means I'm no longer zooming ahead and resting to wait for him. Therefore, I'm spending more time wearing my pack and on my feet, more time under tension. </div><div><br /></div><div>I kind of miss the rest breaks, to be honest. </div><div><br /></div><div>But it's wonderful to be able to hike with my husband and chat with him as we hike. </div><div><br /></div><div>My mind likes to simplify the hike after the fact. But the trail remembers every bit that I forget. That mini switchback? Oh yeah, got to hike that before the place we dry camped. And then after that, it was so much farther to Chicken Springs than I thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, for some reason, the distance from Chicken Springs to Chicken Peak actually seemed shorter. </div><div>Just before we reached Chicken Springs, there's a trail junction. The sign points downhill and indicates the Salmon River is that-a-way. And it was there that I heard voices. I asked Ambrose to be quiet and then asked if he heard them too. He did. We thought we saw footprints going down as well, so we figured they were headed away from us and we wouldn't ever see whoever was speaking. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the long switchbacks up to Chicken Peak, I took a break to dig a hole while Ambrose hiked on. It wasn't far from there, so I caught up quickly, and then watched while he made a path across the massive snowbank blocking the trail. I sat on the dirt and took pictures and video. He made it safely, and then it was my turn. </div><div><br /></div><div>Getting off the snowbank is always the hardest part; this time, Ambrose chose a slide descent for us. Now, on this trip, Ambrose had specifically requested that I bug him more about taking pictures of me. So I did. I made my way carefully across the snow bank to an edge and handed him the camera before I took my slide down the snowbank. </div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't go up to the lookout this time, because we saw it in 2020 and had no time for it. Instead, we started hiking down. This part of the trail is much easier to go down than up. It's pretty steep at first, and then it gets rocky as it winds over to a saddle where we cross over to another ridgeline. </div><div>The views from that saddle are some of my favorite. Deep valleys, bright green with growth, sparkling with hidden water, dotted with trees... I want to go down into those valleys. Ambrose plans to, one of these days. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the saddle, my mind had again elided just how far it was until the trail turned north again and brought us to the first of four (or five) springs. We planned to stop for water at the last spring, but it ended up being the second to last. Which was fair, because sometimes that last one is dry. The water break was nice, but all too short. The heat was starting to rise, and I was wondering if our pace was as good as it needed to be. We'd find out when we got to the next water, which would be the last for several miles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and the next section of trail had very little shade. It's a recovering burn area, maybe 15 years post-burn. There are a lot of trees, but none of them are big enough to cast significant shade on the trail. But more trees means less views, so there's some rewards for hiking in the hot sun. </div><div><br /></div><div>I actually love walking through recovered burn areas repeatedly over years. It's fascinating to see how the landscape changes, how the plants grow and recover. Sure, the sun can get hot when there's no shade and little water, but if I avoided areas that had been burned, I'd have very little of Idaho to hike. </div><div>This section of the trail went pretty fast for me. We made it to the next spring right in time for lunch. The spring hosted a single big shade tree that we took advantage of, sprawling our gear and ourselves in its shade before getting to the work of filling our water bags and making lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then the voices appeared. Three young men hiked up the trail. We scrambled to make room for them at the spring (though not necessarily in the shade). And then we moved away from the spring to a nice shady spot to eat and take our lunch break, giving them full use of the spring. </div><div><br /></div><div>They had hiked up from the South Fork of the Salmon River, a trail that asked them to climb something like 6000 feet on their first day. Yikes! </div><div><br /></div><div>They were planning to go to Sheepeater Lake, too, but their trail information came from one of their grandfather's having hiked this area in the 70s and the 90s. I hoped they would be okay and be able to find their way. They hiked off before we were ready to go. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ambrose tried to take a nap, and I did a little reading while I finished eating lunch. Then Ambrose was ready to go. I was not quite ready, because I wanted to finish drinking my electrolyte drink. But I figured I could catch up to Ambrose so I told him to go on ahead. Once I was underway, I made sure to wet my hat at the spring as we crossed it, but I knew that wouldn't last very long. </div><div><br /></div><div>This section is brutal. Not only is there still no shade, there's the prospect of shade that gets cruelly ripped away. The trail seems to be approaching a shady copse of trees, but then it turns aside at the last moment, avoiding all shade. Oh, and it's uphill. A couple thousand feet over a couple miles in the hot hot heat. </div><div><br /></div><div>It took me a lot longer to catch Ambrose than I thought it would. I felt completely alone as I hiked through yet more bear grass blooms, trying to remember the lay of the land from prior years. But it really does look different with all those flowers in bloom. I was just starting to consider stopping to dig a hole and sending Ambrose an inReach message to let him know when I spotted him up ahead. </div><div>In the past, spotting him would be the next thing to catching him. Not this year! Every time I paused for a picture, I lost ground. I had to really up my pace (and take less pictures) to catch up to him. He really made me work for it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, my plan was to hike to the Sheepeater Lookout, and then go down to the lake to set up camp. We'd talked about that, and I thought we'd agreed. But some time after I caught him, Ambrose said he now planned on going down to the lake, skipping the lookout. The idea was to go back up to the lookout the next morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>In my years of backpacking, I have never chosen to hike up 800 plus feet first thing in the morning going back. And, although we've hiked to Sheepeater Lake four other times before, we'd never made it up to the lookout. Always too tired or something. I just felt in my bones that if we passed it by this afternoon, we wouldn't be going back. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I said I would be going up without him. </div><p></p><div></div><p></p><div>But I also started thinking about how I might persuade him to come up to the lookout with me. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6JcDdc3L1ZQ52l-IyAycBpSMNl5WkDBfzBDm6kW1Re5xjHVHEG90rC33G8NrzjIu-Llef86Eh0yazFJA-84bkJhr0AfL7HgUbffc3aCbBQuTCRXNz0LUCUbAaaeu-P8ZKNBHsV8NLYlbxrJooWKt_mkYq8mBCdAuXR51rcSlgcf-hAACkj8V8XoN/s5184/R0013279.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6JcDdc3L1ZQ52l-IyAycBpSMNl5WkDBfzBDm6kW1Re5xjHVHEG90rC33G8NrzjIu-Llef86Eh0yazFJA-84bkJhr0AfL7HgUbffc3aCbBQuTCRXNz0LUCUbAaaeu-P8ZKNBHsV8NLYlbxrJooWKt_mkYq8mBCdAuXR51rcSlgcf-hAACkj8V8XoN/w400-h300/R0013279.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is just about ready to go.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjjvLnvBsBKXQFh1DAK4NW_kXeKDuqJUdRjYCXt4hVM16WMZKtfM-rp8ulgXe1PXrlIuyTosEfV_7LWtBjd8jIlPZWcx9fFgGQHHCreGtuI0DVzI3e3nREbxrm_dQGSXcLeMq4r9hLSY7Kv-7OR1AwJs_dUbSiavoHHbntLMNymMUEwFpqnPo85bq/s5184/R0013281.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjjvLnvBsBKXQFh1DAK4NW_kXeKDuqJUdRjYCXt4hVM16WMZKtfM-rp8ulgXe1PXrlIuyTosEfV_7LWtBjd8jIlPZWcx9fFgGQHHCreGtuI0DVzI3e3nREbxrm_dQGSXcLeMq4r9hLSY7Kv-7OR1AwJs_dUbSiavoHHbntLMNymMUEwFpqnPo85bq/w400-h300/R0013281.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun hadn't quite risen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZBMTLTJMZQlk8Miw_uSK13mJsUfbA7ksccjnn85r3tq96sH-Rl9ZxcIW94KzIit3qEVkkkhOvw1kQ82ufChHc6xO2dVedJJcJ4Ctgf3lSuRh01CZp71BGWnz_9nZRJU8fKd8kcBVbT6-aYxOrgn7ahzyY9wvVigIF312aFZUJUHUBKugDd7bmZHE/s5184/R0013284.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZBMTLTJMZQlk8Miw_uSK13mJsUfbA7ksccjnn85r3tq96sH-Rl9ZxcIW94KzIit3qEVkkkhOvw1kQ82ufChHc6xO2dVedJJcJ4Ctgf3lSuRh01CZp71BGWnz_9nZRJU8fKd8kcBVbT6-aYxOrgn7ahzyY9wvVigIF312aFZUJUHUBKugDd7bmZHE/w400-h300/R0013284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on the trail! But too cold to put any under my hat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn6zISDk1te94o59sthypidbLOyYyQ6m_MVrCYRkvngzi2LrT6tuiL3QBRarJlZJz_9BwFKxuNDOze-_IQOsZx32bAVlwjCpOTQsnPlTU9tYC_3EBH9Zr-4WQ3FZmGNRznk0J4KaffYnl7tVaYJW363hsRxzv4RgZYeBj9M03l4TCL3GLxxVYBQo0/s5184/R0013285.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTn6zISDk1te94o59sthypidbLOyYyQ6m_MVrCYRkvngzi2LrT6tuiL3QBRarJlZJz_9BwFKxuNDOze-_IQOsZx32bAVlwjCpOTQsnPlTU9tYC_3EBH9Zr-4WQ3FZmGNRznk0J4KaffYnl7tVaYJW363hsRxzv4RgZYeBj9M03l4TCL3GLxxVYBQo0/w400-h300/R0013285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure, it's water, but it's full of plants and bugs that love to clog filters.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cv1Hs4P3Rr9eK7kbmHb7feh2_3r9x5XXkl3tErhuXPjEinaCgRTZ6TL219T5UKDs0k7m5a7-ZAdScSAC3NWRyTIPbns8ThMTGQScgyYjgkwnc0N81UoA3ao-XvKLFhjGZOnQW6muIiYK4QJ7V_hpjkrXl9wgXb8QwKzdhlEO6eGHoyHRIWmjZBTE/s5184/R0013290.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cv1Hs4P3Rr9eK7kbmHb7feh2_3r9x5XXkl3tErhuXPjEinaCgRTZ6TL219T5UKDs0k7m5a7-ZAdScSAC3NWRyTIPbns8ThMTGQScgyYjgkwnc0N81UoA3ao-XvKLFhjGZOnQW6muIiYK4QJ7V_hpjkrXl9wgXb8QwKzdhlEO6eGHoyHRIWmjZBTE/w400-h300/R0013290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass in the morning light.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYctZGd77HCRUmqi0moVQyVB3KR80JYTHz72jY4CDaGs6nXJGf6P11_KPfpsskCrRP-8rYOPAjsYtn_1zQP8Wc3qkhVKHxFF6lfST0TQmf56zyMuFfAnL07RcxWUR8uespZmltm3sHt79eettWb8GN2NyRYRDk46t-GuyW63DCdjGFLauLAfHJdOId/s5184/R0013296.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYctZGd77HCRUmqi0moVQyVB3KR80JYTHz72jY4CDaGs6nXJGf6P11_KPfpsskCrRP-8rYOPAjsYtn_1zQP8Wc3qkhVKHxFF6lfST0TQmf56zyMuFfAnL07RcxWUR8uespZmltm3sHt79eettWb8GN2NyRYRDk46t-GuyW63DCdjGFLauLAfHJdOId/w400-h300/R0013296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We camped up here once. It has to be a dry camp, which we don't prefer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTQ4LLYv-_Bbpe79_sVYkvfo1JXLtTAzVXxW2jK24dzftFuY_pkVS54rs8YohGRgugbNm83qcKkMZDbMp1-MqIxgX7Twg4-p-P4szrLkFrulP8VAcz7cuIvCK6_AWkPHoMVRaVGIfT_d9sbQ5OIpFce1fpwLrgoeuFgPH04xaty5X2uXfAufqIcPl/s5184/R0013298.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTQ4LLYv-_Bbpe79_sVYkvfo1JXLtTAzVXxW2jK24dzftFuY_pkVS54rs8YohGRgugbNm83qcKkMZDbMp1-MqIxgX7Twg4-p-P4szrLkFrulP8VAcz7cuIvCK6_AWkPHoMVRaVGIfT_d9sbQ5OIpFce1fpwLrgoeuFgPH04xaty5X2uXfAufqIcPl/w400-h300/R0013298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Much. Bear Grass.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w8oul6bHgykVBwnkon5rTv1BJJEOHf84mEVBcTflh3kXHxWNJCnfsrbLcX2X_wULQqMum85ZI6do_NDYXmpX1m1Jkefx--fPxgKIwE6ghmi8AJFDiueaUImVbKoM-PhTra3otJqiJtTpdlCCd0FoykfBUTtKs0gXKP1MLPQW8xyJ3RGafjd2f18q/s5184/R0013310.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_w8oul6bHgykVBwnkon5rTv1BJJEOHf84mEVBcTflh3kXHxWNJCnfsrbLcX2X_wULQqMum85ZI6do_NDYXmpX1m1Jkefx--fPxgKIwE6ghmi8AJFDiueaUImVbKoM-PhTra3otJqiJtTpdlCCd0FoykfBUTtKs0gXKP1MLPQW8xyJ3RGafjd2f18q/w400-h300/R0013310.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On both side of the ridge!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SubQmC4tpC5JhcS-Nz09-EPTvcD147M9EOqg9sH2g3P4sFI30WpCxGxGV4oI0MfXVfd07bGPD9LqkmBWq72mqf7SySV62LgUT7RbDW96ZY_Y2XCbH0zWBEAMBomscQWgzrRi4gsmc9ils7yZqMPLTJPjQUOS3Cls-YPf-CsZzguwKuLktuW8jXCv/s5184/R0013312.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SubQmC4tpC5JhcS-Nz09-EPTvcD147M9EOqg9sH2g3P4sFI30WpCxGxGV4oI0MfXVfd07bGPD9LqkmBWq72mqf7SySV62LgUT7RbDW96ZY_Y2XCbH0zWBEAMBomscQWgzrRi4gsmc9ils7yZqMPLTJPjQUOS3Cls-YPf-CsZzguwKuLktuW8jXCv/w400-h300/R0013312.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is near the junction where we heard the voices.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-4HG5bKS974541A-pEuhd5mzG2ed1KPNhCjgeKeMoZCRC-AUdMaD2v7qYXijlKczptjv5Z6AEV-IN2zcOLu-NcFqkm2k6xYU0GhZFkV4lKXV7trciDuOTjyU1MECjUAsDQAClRk9GvXFtJVnW71HYWoEy37iH5YrandnnFJNCtP0NC4VCPbg1zP2/s5184/R0013316.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-4HG5bKS974541A-pEuhd5mzG2ed1KPNhCjgeKeMoZCRC-AUdMaD2v7qYXijlKczptjv5Z6AEV-IN2zcOLu-NcFqkm2k6xYU0GhZFkV4lKXV7trciDuOTjyU1MECjUAsDQAClRk9GvXFtJVnW71HYWoEy37iH5YrandnnFJNCtP0NC4VCPbg1zP2/w400-h300/R0013316.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is standing in a patch of bear grass that I pitched our old Duplex tent on the first time we came through here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVg7nOstnmvxR3zFWStJ_G29tF3X-x4RgLjVbWLb1OpJRDdKXp3AV4P2XqYLIH1kwzhqOIEm-MoZq-ng1bVwR4IwP1EGeQnWEIOkOZcjGb3RTQU8YTCHWPFv0ErotUN1B1q8wBR_Mom9NODjX0NkufR7aQ9Z23h8uf9hzHpBMNMFJincQ1EZYiv09/s5184/R0013317.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVg7nOstnmvxR3zFWStJ_G29tF3X-x4RgLjVbWLb1OpJRDdKXp3AV4P2XqYLIH1kwzhqOIEm-MoZq-ng1bVwR4IwP1EGeQnWEIOkOZcjGb3RTQU8YTCHWPFv0ErotUN1B1q8wBR_Mom9NODjX0NkufR7aQ9Z23h8uf9hzHpBMNMFJincQ1EZYiv09/w400-h300/R0013317.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely shade on this paintbrush.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSId8pci1QMjePn3_jOMW_bqZUcyR0x6TvsJMCHWcXoF0RUW_iNCztF0-N2ultSRKt2LhKghnFLPtKMwZhBlSAGb8i_QUCsLwuepVT8xgCr3hw5UmojqnS6ci9cZRuwAhvhhuBMsLK1wc7vNLMU38dzeN3IoD0AdVYUovNXH_G_1912hvQ-zEgqfB/s5184/R0013318.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSId8pci1QMjePn3_jOMW_bqZUcyR0x6TvsJMCHWcXoF0RUW_iNCztF0-N2ultSRKt2LhKghnFLPtKMwZhBlSAGb8i_QUCsLwuepVT8xgCr3hw5UmojqnS6ci9cZRuwAhvhhuBMsLK1wc7vNLMU38dzeN3IoD0AdVYUovNXH_G_1912hvQ-zEgqfB/w400-h300/R0013318.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Springs is flowing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrd1ExS7fQb0Bhqm0WgPrZ-KAlFZnvVRG48juxKyeVXh4hr1dKW1KOqb2C63vSl3Eb3JfJtjEDFeKOjdVBCEuLOd2FV9iADP6i8H4HuShEl4dHdPWdBFtLc8t1Gu2j-njU-yjIBSahX2qTSoOKsmFBgJzfngv5FPZ6Opv3OZhv2MagzmdcELpzfrR/s5184/R0013321.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrd1ExS7fQb0Bhqm0WgPrZ-KAlFZnvVRG48juxKyeVXh4hr1dKW1KOqb2C63vSl3Eb3JfJtjEDFeKOjdVBCEuLOd2FV9iADP6i8H4HuShEl4dHdPWdBFtLc8t1Gu2j-njU-yjIBSahX2qTSoOKsmFBgJzfngv5FPZ6Opv3OZhv2MagzmdcELpzfrR/w400-h300/R0013321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the snowbank below Chicken Peak.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanJBZHqQ83Syda9CalLY-zkhwwJb3L9YKH6zam-FNSl-rIvdReQuJLaUH7GtDJ6cuXAAOIawcN2Yh7PynhrzCL-AQcnpPvsFhzEgf1s8TqZPvSDh68ZUccFj50osBawX8NvHN-xoioD3eLkI8Mmt7xHiV5hCXB1pwXo0_QnHAQew9d7iZw2N8upf_/s5184/R0013323.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanJBZHqQ83Syda9CalLY-zkhwwJb3L9YKH6zam-FNSl-rIvdReQuJLaUH7GtDJ6cuXAAOIawcN2Yh7PynhrzCL-AQcnpPvsFhzEgf1s8TqZPvSDh68ZUccFj50osBawX8NvHN-xoioD3eLkI8Mmt7xHiV5hCXB1pwXo0_QnHAQew9d7iZw2N8upf_/w400-h300/R0013323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose crossing another part of the snowbank.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X7ZThIemCXYsT7X2w7b0XsuvYRmULOWH8o04epQNAWDlhrB7slV_zAZoaWplP07T6op4PvV1Q7eKtIgN8gnlf6vT4iJ0jSbFqFK4H3y0QYzkzyQff8o6zYaR9lYgQW1HJrh1LMnYMvdw77KL3v43lAnkbmbQv8HwW6kdVf08SfX2l3YlD8eYmCZM/s5184/R0013333.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-X7ZThIemCXYsT7X2w7b0XsuvYRmULOWH8o04epQNAWDlhrB7slV_zAZoaWplP07T6op4PvV1Q7eKtIgN8gnlf6vT4iJ0jSbFqFK4H3y0QYzkzyQff8o6zYaR9lYgQW1HJrh1LMnYMvdw77KL3v43lAnkbmbQv8HwW6kdVf08SfX2l3YlD8eYmCZM/w400-h300/R0013333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose watching me prepare to slide.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQybDIWIOyHrxfoOtWudvWJWPmcnGCi7_4IAA1HjQmf0msN-JtQA2_d51Q0CI0QqfFhFptkIAsEsEYgDuHbPbX0gY5Zg1d9CbWL9NJ3F3-E4oI7N74v6LGmfObKivsy5m3eWepc_SimKfdrmUbXyxNiGcIfPUiRCmm_Fv2bQoXATNUquqJPJZZRMo/s5184/R0013335.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQybDIWIOyHrxfoOtWudvWJWPmcnGCi7_4IAA1HjQmf0msN-JtQA2_d51Q0CI0QqfFhFptkIAsEsEYgDuHbPbX0gY5Zg1d9CbWL9NJ3F3-E4oI7N74v6LGmfObKivsy5m3eWepc_SimKfdrmUbXyxNiGcIfPUiRCmm_Fv2bQoXATNUquqJPJZZRMo/w400-h300/R0013335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was super fun!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwPduTq4Tr-hVOGlJjtjBpnx-ILCVeQa0r02Nh9SgDHxt4TV3SWqLqN8W1ARRqzNVZ8-Ca9BERyjBxqyFayDlkK9HxYC2S2Hn0KcgjxuHBcC8j_91Z2TlOodLMfpstqU_hhtkA9uWTQYqD3jH8JWdfEzukr6eooSpqbVRjY-p-02s7l2nQD_4zg63/s5184/R0013336.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwPduTq4Tr-hVOGlJjtjBpnx-ILCVeQa0r02Nh9SgDHxt4TV3SWqLqN8W1ARRqzNVZ8-Ca9BERyjBxqyFayDlkK9HxYC2S2Hn0KcgjxuHBcC8j_91Z2TlOodLMfpstqU_hhtkA9uWTQYqD3jH8JWdfEzukr6eooSpqbVRjY-p-02s7l2nQD_4zg63/w400-h300/R0013336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landing was a bit hard with the weight of the pack on my back.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnfGx3C95lTAzExoNDI0-pA65-s-YDRQezzOabdVW6D3UkM0m2mhm1wEn_Bn7OAILIQCpAMk21juuKwIQDNDvY4spI2tnX1r5f5AJXkcT4G9WMu0ZOMtKun_dpR8t8gydEalpyOncGl8vE5PDmy5L6qngktaUgIamhs0Wn3xGBhuTgwo1ANYQHIYA/s5184/R0013338.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnfGx3C95lTAzExoNDI0-pA65-s-YDRQezzOabdVW6D3UkM0m2mhm1wEn_Bn7OAILIQCpAMk21juuKwIQDNDvY4spI2tnX1r5f5AJXkcT4G9WMu0ZOMtKun_dpR8t8gydEalpyOncGl8vE5PDmy5L6qngktaUgIamhs0Wn3xGBhuTgwo1ANYQHIYA/w400-h300/R0013338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked the way the light and shadows ran across the snow.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFrVX4F9wLDap2N-YisPWc1AZVvoxii3yka7fNkyZFJkl1dtV36g7n7z7vmld3zuynBAX__otUH5AvXGvlK4JF3SXMR160x-md6y4tsW0XVRgRyaHCiWuft0x2H65d2QHA66kUdw1UvxUiQu5EgOx5Iucj-Gpb5thj_VlgYc8AlJB3wW80v49WB2M/s5184/R0013342.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFrVX4F9wLDap2N-YisPWc1AZVvoxii3yka7fNkyZFJkl1dtV36g7n7z7vmld3zuynBAX__otUH5AvXGvlK4JF3SXMR160x-md6y4tsW0XVRgRyaHCiWuft0x2H65d2QHA66kUdw1UvxUiQu5EgOx5Iucj-Gpb5thj_VlgYc8AlJB3wW80v49WB2M/w400-h300/R0013342.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's such a sense of vastness when you're out there.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYQAfr-CtSKMqjmrwhFhb4uvgBvf8-eDzZghmsik2YUEZLlTxbQJd8nLWxGsA2CXAs9ERSN4fZkImKnBwaUkS8IUtG_LdOrChToh6HZvucnOsRjCTAbwFvpy4aJU6RLh9BUtI_Qpibh1-ua7QuFX6rqe-AXXXB3MoZyzEh16aIr2VKYY8MGpI9spV/s5184/R0013347.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYQAfr-CtSKMqjmrwhFhb4uvgBvf8-eDzZghmsik2YUEZLlTxbQJd8nLWxGsA2CXAs9ERSN4fZkImKnBwaUkS8IUtG_LdOrChToh6HZvucnOsRjCTAbwFvpy4aJU6RLh9BUtI_Qpibh1-ua7QuFX6rqe-AXXXB3MoZyzEh16aIr2VKYY8MGpI9spV/w400-h300/R0013347.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to pick a favorite view.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GSm14yOuSVqLMdjVcN0fehDFnuP0GJHWPe221m7UoEaKW-OSfnn9tAXVymX17Nhrtry4LBJtZCm-uymOQkGQn7jrj4cTG2pV5S1invW6SKmxXpDFUbGeCJThrgkKa1opCXB4A1PRh3Y6mWK328XOA6OrQEk2JaVuXDwt5Q3Z_bmw_iNOv_nyrd9D/s5184/R0013353.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GSm14yOuSVqLMdjVcN0fehDFnuP0GJHWPe221m7UoEaKW-OSfnn9tAXVymX17Nhrtry4LBJtZCm-uymOQkGQn7jrj4cTG2pV5S1invW6SKmxXpDFUbGeCJThrgkKa1opCXB4A1PRh3Y6mWK328XOA6OrQEk2JaVuXDwt5Q3Z_bmw_iNOv_nyrd9D/w400-h300/R0013353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass on this side of the peak.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0__1ucipBax-t7yxKQFYwiNIG1AuUwRbPRbpF-bBw-dEiTmES4EnMthRsVbzXTJe_MSoYiuQzeT6JOtdnAcBsu8TpwsNrDoB_UU9oDy83BfIajEOGNlWgAbJ6M1FSLZvhCvQFF4n0Jw5TnypmZfdhlLumjux95MThE_mgz6hWpnQkvOYUd_wF8ia/s5184/R0013355.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0__1ucipBax-t7yxKQFYwiNIG1AuUwRbPRbpF-bBw-dEiTmES4EnMthRsVbzXTJe_MSoYiuQzeT6JOtdnAcBsu8TpwsNrDoB_UU9oDy83BfIajEOGNlWgAbJ6M1FSLZvhCvQFF4n0Jw5TnypmZfdhlLumjux95MThE_mgz6hWpnQkvOYUd_wF8ia/w400-h300/R0013355.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more snow, even after we descended a good distance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvcRyLmRSUchybR5yH_vs3pDrVzyCGCrPkZFjZR39C7JbykSYbztWbxdsTiVvk4va9js4ThWyNStpYOVvgNyckt9hWRPST_eP7COMaEYXnn9pVuqusNGHSa2ubw24CT2OpQgshiEYLtFsVSgBnY3hMtYTe3bEfSGxAzINtgomnSKQAxsFTsJDoP6Z/s5184/R0013359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvcRyLmRSUchybR5yH_vs3pDrVzyCGCrPkZFjZR39C7JbykSYbztWbxdsTiVvk4va9js4ThWyNStpYOVvgNyckt9hWRPST_eP7COMaEYXnn9pVuqusNGHSa2ubw24CT2OpQgshiEYLtFsVSgBnY3hMtYTe3bEfSGxAzINtgomnSKQAxsFTsJDoP6Z/w400-h300/R0013359.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always forget how far we have to hike before the trail turns left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyGFGsfVTkKXPZC4jiCX8hBlwmawLsmQ84qQvE4yG-Ij5r0rF0HPGd7fUhP40ssUQIU_F5-OzUEVM7YJqK4m4qxHWsGF11QgY_qHPDIwx46_6JA03p_FnBaa75TyBQTxFY6zb4BPM0SVOAYdcrRpR66kSvEqM3KODhhRHxdSrd4KPC_ONmlO9-o6x/s5184/R0013365.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyGFGsfVTkKXPZC4jiCX8hBlwmawLsmQ84qQvE4yG-Ij5r0rF0HPGd7fUhP40ssUQIU_F5-OzUEVM7YJqK4m4qxHWsGF11QgY_qHPDIwx46_6JA03p_FnBaa75TyBQTxFY6zb4BPM0SVOAYdcrRpR66kSvEqM3KODhhRHxdSrd4KPC_ONmlO9-o6x/w400-h300/R0013365.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This really is a big year for the bear grass blooms.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNWVo6g_e1QZYEXZbQJ8o456bcQpLJQYhz3if-TfKxU9Cj6n44iB2DO9Y4KPyXYELE2DiT7NErltIYyYBx9BnTJUUFTTnLkZLDgfvLtXGY4v2Os1sz7np1dX4VgKw3knmIqwiiByVuWL72zi8E2whEZiA33ZqQ7h8EcEJF7ltrMWpuMBhmL7hqwiL/s5184/R0013370.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNWVo6g_e1QZYEXZbQJ8o456bcQpLJQYhz3if-TfKxU9Cj6n44iB2DO9Y4KPyXYELE2DiT7NErltIYyYBx9BnTJUUFTTnLkZLDgfvLtXGY4v2Os1sz7np1dX4VgKw3knmIqwiiByVuWL72zi8E2whEZiA33ZqQ7h8EcEJF7ltrMWpuMBhmL7hqwiL/w300-h400/R0013370.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call these ant plants. I'm not sure what they're actually called.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoKCxiFDjoTPXEwq9pQY8m6Z-6IZY6DprVQeP4GqOHo4LbCLU3al1vH1NbjWe3Cjj_KKK1BZC3_v3lZ5wtVSsG2Bi68XF0dSKAszELfVgQgLuG6u3V817FhPoT9FF72EptMQ1TvShoVWCC-klf1M77OZ6jqhhEKlB9XHbvB2Qh9PKtnpDnLOnYMlR/s5184/R0013378.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoKCxiFDjoTPXEwq9pQY8m6Z-6IZY6DprVQeP4GqOHo4LbCLU3al1vH1NbjWe3Cjj_KKK1BZC3_v3lZ5wtVSsG2Bi68XF0dSKAszELfVgQgLuG6u3V817FhPoT9FF72EptMQ1TvShoVWCC-klf1M77OZ6jqhhEKlB9XHbvB2Qh9PKtnpDnLOnYMlR/w400-h300/R0013378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the last of the 5 springs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXNVeIKX3hqtVAGmF2iH4tM26YLXGduvBvjv0q-Pj7bwqS1MYdLhVmJnLTyCAAEN1lkeOJviriekzmX_bgJCQmVn2o-Mo75qqEKiVqSDn8IzG9TgtqFw0dVxxNke2fAyiXTtnwmERiKLNY1baGzwMHeZaWF4tSdXgpZkeh8o3z8JgI39yJ8n4gIk5/s5184/R0013381.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXNVeIKX3hqtVAGmF2iH4tM26YLXGduvBvjv0q-Pj7bwqS1MYdLhVmJnLTyCAAEN1lkeOJviriekzmX_bgJCQmVn2o-Mo75qqEKiVqSDn8IzG9TgtqFw0dVxxNke2fAyiXTtnwmERiKLNY1baGzwMHeZaWF4tSdXgpZkeh8o3z8JgI39yJ8n4gIk5/w400-h300/R0013381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was happy to see signs of recent trail maintenance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwCY5drsAKJVRAPnWYizrJvBipgDcwRkOhV8zy3isMdy9_B3T8N_e_06EQt4UjYpneWpxtD_0jTPwP58qjv3VYPR6Cx_6CaNjQZkWj5tQMcWRcSOd-fGMc8ny_jTMCOAourqhbdPzX9lyAhEtfmtbnCpZz-KcIcdJzm2QI-F8Va7VNYEZe4cdoYpd/s5184/R0013386.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwCY5drsAKJVRAPnWYizrJvBipgDcwRkOhV8zy3isMdy9_B3T8N_e_06EQt4UjYpneWpxtD_0jTPwP58qjv3VYPR6Cx_6CaNjQZkWj5tQMcWRcSOd-fGMc8ny_jTMCOAourqhbdPzX9lyAhEtfmtbnCpZz-KcIcdJzm2QI-F8Va7VNYEZe4cdoYpd/w400-h300/R0013386.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down before we head back up the other side.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAI3xZfABc_QJwDJ70VWbF2797uEl_jdpoYpE3FAEMSKcvkXwsxVxeM4kV9iPkl2NyaQBAXGpuJ9ifcx__rEvtu_CJt-F4Edx5hl6VcbGPGo8olwco1iC0WGspGjI6F-xoVLdH-Mq8gaSfpgbPLnCFjIXyEEzQ0d7RtuFMULRuN-wiDQ_VrtM8nLk/s5184/R0013391.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAI3xZfABc_QJwDJ70VWbF2797uEl_jdpoYpE3FAEMSKcvkXwsxVxeM4kV9iPkl2NyaQBAXGpuJ9ifcx__rEvtu_CJt-F4Edx5hl6VcbGPGo8olwco1iC0WGspGjI6F-xoVLdH-Mq8gaSfpgbPLnCFjIXyEEzQ0d7RtuFMULRuN-wiDQ_VrtM8nLk/w400-h300/R0013391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last water for a while.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif_okzDK0hSNInjBlJMBScqKX1wKxuJCrV1rHxmzag6C6Yw_ifvFey6ne2ImkmpWNdRk_ivqOQEBkLj8mtCPAVMRFyPKkT18rSuB4E0sr2NeDKiwtTbto04BL5lxsGNAmf8HVlhNbDz-mNgKhbOAg8FYcv4O4ZqBgArll53vMLqV-7CC-Qsx2QcXK/s5184/R0013395.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif_okzDK0hSNInjBlJMBScqKX1wKxuJCrV1rHxmzag6C6Yw_ifvFey6ne2ImkmpWNdRk_ivqOQEBkLj8mtCPAVMRFyPKkT18rSuB4E0sr2NeDKiwtTbto04BL5lxsGNAmf8HVlhNbDz-mNgKhbOAg8FYcv4O4ZqBgArll53vMLqV-7CC-Qsx2QcXK/w400-h300/R0013395.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, more.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE9_To5qpnIblfflEiF5MlY03lIflYF8jd8rACLq6hOQctfF7DKBTHksnLwL7KD4_AxptsZcqaUlWlaSFUF_R0GXhN8dbdbPdtPT_QsUskX14ucpgEP9TeaoB4wT70ulqVET_Xqv9870slb8csaCZfNQWqD5dTWuezPNWlfsa7KJYrlnmCdaFww2b/s5184/R0013404.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE9_To5qpnIblfflEiF5MlY03lIflYF8jd8rACLq6hOQctfF7DKBTHksnLwL7KD4_AxptsZcqaUlWlaSFUF_R0GXhN8dbdbPdtPT_QsUskX14ucpgEP9TeaoB4wT70ulqVET_Xqv9870slb8csaCZfNQWqD5dTWuezPNWlfsa7KJYrlnmCdaFww2b/w400-h300/R0013404.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally caught up to Ambrose!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibqmiNVY0RQrEZZ28L7wJEboCSDx3EVTs-8zjmStTrcaUh48Kv_COk3jgIa2wpQMqOmVomDKzzTZ9KAESPI6M0vpnO4hMLnQQpHHkBpnRYsMcd96WkL-0_9RvV04ClETW0upy1nstRaBA0AqBwEl5i2UI3E85TRGrJL2MIgEHkYGH0cQMd_94N5oM/s5184/R0013411.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibqmiNVY0RQrEZZ28L7wJEboCSDx3EVTs-8zjmStTrcaUh48Kv_COk3jgIa2wpQMqOmVomDKzzTZ9KAESPI6M0vpnO4hMLnQQpHHkBpnRYsMcd96WkL-0_9RvV04ClETW0upy1nstRaBA0AqBwEl5i2UI3E85TRGrJL2MIgEHkYGH0cQMd_94N5oM/w400-h300/R0013411.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mushroom in a beam of sunshine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDovN28wHhXKvKbJO3BuGw4xHWtKokXfMBl8rLjHWgsBLQBIJoQkSGnNeBRMt_YNFLveWlU9UfdyWpj0TK6oPM9mNgBz7ck16IM5tweRPo6eBXNMNiOBteaz7i8-sQsHAdhN6S7XYpZF0ySY9y7fruGieuvJ1AG71Qlk_wnGinlJVW6vZcGr0kHJT/s5184/R0013413.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDovN28wHhXKvKbJO3BuGw4xHWtKokXfMBl8rLjHWgsBLQBIJoQkSGnNeBRMt_YNFLveWlU9UfdyWpj0TK6oPM9mNgBz7ck16IM5tweRPo6eBXNMNiOBteaz7i8-sQsHAdhN6S7XYpZF0ySY9y7fruGieuvJ1AG71Qlk_wnGinlJVW6vZcGr0kHJT/w400-h300/R0013413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stepped off the trail to get this view to the east.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOIazXF-oBfXFLO2sFEOOKORWYKdYY4AsgUl9uGMg3CAYR4cbAucp54ohKdQuTC5YF9qAVKDlpi5GcQ-xLNCrxcAChOn9SNeGcVzMr62nGv8QnYZ181qUWEfe0dXLUfYCC4ugdlas66Z53MF6rSv_VhQos72zLK2eVcBF-yJEPnKdsZt4SxQ6utix/s5184/R0013414.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOIazXF-oBfXFLO2sFEOOKORWYKdYY4AsgUl9uGMg3CAYR4cbAucp54ohKdQuTC5YF9qAVKDlpi5GcQ-xLNCrxcAChOn9SNeGcVzMr62nGv8QnYZ181qUWEfe0dXLUfYCC4ugdlas66Z53MF6rSv_VhQos72zLK2eVcBF-yJEPnKdsZt4SxQ6utix/w400-h300/R0013414.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got better at the selfie lighting, but my timing could improve.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued...</div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-79530241409425228692022-08-17T08:00:00.110-06:002022-08-18T17:57:17.232-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 2<p>Wake up time for this trip was set to be 5:30 am, unless an exception were to be agreed upon the night before. But we both wanted to be up early this morning so we could start attacking the trail up to Mosquito Ridge. This part of the trail has more than 20 switchbacks, rocketing us up from an elevation of about 7300 to just shy of 8900. It's the hardest part of the day, and we want to get it done before the sun starts baking us. </p><p>I felt relaxed and easy getting ready. I've recently felt rushed at times when packing up, because I can't really get my packing done as quickly as Ambrose, because I carry the tent. He's consistently told me I don't need to rush on his account, but until this trip, I always have. This time, I was able to believe what he was telling me and just get things done as I got them done. I mean, it's not like I was dawdling. The temperature was warm enough that I didn't even feel the need to dawdle. </p><p>I mean, usually, it gets pretty cool at this camp in the mornings, but not this morning. The mosquitos were still out, it was so warm. Of course, warm is a relative thing. I'm talking high 50's low 60's as warm, which not everyone will agree with. But it's warm enough that I feel comfortable changing into my hiking clothes inside my tent, and that's good enough for me. </p><p>I moved at a steady pace and got all packed up. Once we were both pretty much ready to go, Ambrose and I did our morning stretches. Nothing big, just some leg swings, static holds for quads and hamstrings, and arm swings. I made us this little warm up routine a while back, and it's been a very nice way to start the day, just letting our muscles know that we're about to want something from them. </p><p>And we did indeed want a little something from our muscles. We walked up the rocky forest service road a short distance and made it to the trailhead. Then started the switchbacks. Sometimes I like to count switchbacks. I certainly did the first time I came <i>down</i> this trail, and I've done it before hiking up, but I chose not to this time. On this trip, Ambrose was leading, so I felt like I could just go along for the hike. </p><p>And Ambrose was <i>going</i>. I was in awe of his constant forward motion. The last time we hiked up this trail, I remember him stopping frequently. And I hiked ahead that time - on this hike, Ambrose and I were celebrating being together by choosing to hike together instead of separately. One thing that was cool about staying together was being able to share observations of the landscape around us. I didn't see something cool and then have to wait for Ambrose to catch up or not share with him. I could just point it out to him. </p><p>As we climbed, we caught up to the sun, but it wasn't yet getting hot. We saw more bear grass in bloom, luminous in the early morning light. Higher up, I spotted a snow bank that hadn't yet succumbed to the heat of summer. We took a break after almost an hour of hiking, and that was the only break that we needed to take. Because we reached the top of the ridge before it was time for the next break! </p><p>We did take a break at the high point though - we needed to send messages to our families so they could see how high up we were. This was the first trip we were both using our inReach mini's to send messages. I was only sending to my dad, but Ambrose had conversations going with several family members. </p><p>From here, we just had to hike down to Mosquito Springs along the ridge. It isn't precisely easy, but it's a lot easier than the switchbacks that we'd just humped up with fully loaded packs. As we hiked along, I kept an eye out for damage from the previous year's fires. There were a number of downed trees across the trail, but none of them were too bad. Easy enough to step over or go around. And there was even some snow in the trail. </p><p>Something new happened on this hike. Ambrose voluntarily, and without grumbling, hiked off trail to look at scenic views. This was the man I couldn't convince to walk down the beach to go look at the Osett Memorial. The beach! It was flat! There's such a difference in his energy levels now that's he off of the high blood pressure medication (and recording excellent blood pressures without it). </p><p>We came across a burned section of the trail. It wasn't too bad. The trail was still discernable, and there weren't a lot of downed trees. I'm sure in a few years there will be a lot of logs across the trail as the dead roots lose purchase, but for now, it was just a section of ashy trail with no shade. </p><p>Outside of the burned section, the wildflowers were in full bloom. Not just the bear grass, but some gorgeous lupine, paintbrushes, and daisies. So many colors! </p><p>We came upon another burned section, a bit longer than the first one in duration, but the trail was still visible. I'm fine with burns, even downed logs, as long as I can still discern the trail. </p><p>About a quarter to noon, we made it to the Cow Corrals junction. That's not quite Mosquito Springs, but it was where we wanted to stop. We've camped twice at Mosquito Springs, and it really lives up to its name. Though the springs also have an abundance of flies (horse and house). This year, we decided to try camping on the ridge instead, where the wind should help keep the mosquitos away. We'd heard there was a spring on the ridge, so we might be able to avoid Mosquito Springs altogether. </p><p>Ambrose sat down in the shade to send some messages, and I walked over to the edge of the ridge to try and find the water. I walked toward a lone tree stump, and then analyzed the landscape. I saw signs of water and followed them to a small, shallow spring. Sure, it was small, but I was happy to have been able to track it down. </p><p>I pointed Ambrose in the direction of the spring while I scouted out a place to pitch the tent. I thought about pitching out in the open meadow, but I didn't like the look of the ground. Too lumpy with grass clumps and dirt humps. So I wandered into the nearby woods and found a spot that met my criteria: afternoon/evening shade, no widowmakers (dead trees that could fall on the tent), flat ground and enough space. </p><p>Then I took a break, drinking and eating and waiting for Ambrose to return from the spring. When he did, he let me know it was a bit of a pain to get water from. His next water trip would be to Mosquito Springs. I didn't mind; <i>I </i>wasn't the one having to fetch water. </p><p>We ate lunch and I eventually pitched the tent. We spent time just hanging out and, of course, got our camp chores done. My most involved chore, other than pitching the tent, was hanging my bear bag. Ambrose was carrying the Ursack, so he just needed to find a tree and tie it up. I had to find a branch with enough length and strength for my bag, then find a rock and use it to get my rope over that branch. It's a process that can take a lot of time, but I've gotten really good at throwing a roped rock, so once I found the branch, it didn't take too long. </p><p>The night was warm again, with the mosquitos never quite leaving. I was surprised at how warm it was, considering we were up over 8000 feet. I mean, I liked that it was warm-ish, but I would have liked more for the mosquitos to go to sleep. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAFpUYRMS86-s9Gi-7PbOHRskvaJ8PnDQvsK2I2kE-xVchUDKzmoFs2XpZoTjNy1ck2oGl63okXmqdwAT5Xwiqxn1l7d2DPxlMTuzPCZ30Y8SdXt-wsHGGQnaQkRZvcMxiTqoHQ56Ks5BbINuV9ayQgDKsLBCxGFpoMk78biS67SSlQ0XCB7giUot/s5184/R0013134.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAFpUYRMS86-s9Gi-7PbOHRskvaJ8PnDQvsK2I2kE-xVchUDKzmoFs2XpZoTjNy1ck2oGl63okXmqdwAT5Xwiqxn1l7d2DPxlMTuzPCZ30Y8SdXt-wsHGGQnaQkRZvcMxiTqoHQ56Ks5BbINuV9ayQgDKsLBCxGFpoMk78biS67SSlQ0XCB7giUot/w400-h300/R0013134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is ready to go.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaxdDSGk7OMCJg2yRfd9NnXwY0gnsJaQLasgTiQc-8lGq3ZnzK3R24ThLAvJ1poFXcSmQl16oV9jxxnJ1tMJpuBaVRcZlifcs_vxR4uoIGvjF8KW5z14nP-97LxojTAxR71OJxIF4BKj_jnWo6sI3XJRujOKhMuyjFDnTnjpFNtEzbldfX70jVnvB/s5184/R0013135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaxdDSGk7OMCJg2yRfd9NnXwY0gnsJaQLasgTiQc-8lGq3ZnzK3R24ThLAvJ1poFXcSmQl16oV9jxxnJ1tMJpuBaVRcZlifcs_vxR4uoIGvjF8KW5z14nP-97LxojTAxR71OJxIF4BKj_jnWo6sI3XJRujOKhMuyjFDnTnjpFNtEzbldfX70jVnvB/w300-h400/R0013135.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is also ready to take pictures of me!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXrBZB7Xy1SQwSTGvyhJKFRUXVsCjkbg2_yWesaWheNqd7Oz469Bo15kDGcwG6FokQ5LsSylrf0y_J6Llgdumzkj6UcDdgPeBjOJAtk1vgXZxgMDYIhwey46RXARD6xcmqrdVci-1cbM4UOOtmcGIMBP4J5tti7lu8qpvAMONgrZl5ivBD9e4Wl26/s5184/R0013140.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXrBZB7Xy1SQwSTGvyhJKFRUXVsCjkbg2_yWesaWheNqd7Oz469Bo15kDGcwG6FokQ5LsSylrf0y_J6Llgdumzkj6UcDdgPeBjOJAtk1vgXZxgMDYIhwey46RXARD6xcmqrdVci-1cbM4UOOtmcGIMBP4J5tti7lu8qpvAMONgrZl5ivBD9e4Wl26/w400-h300/R0013140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This box just won't stay together.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v6bpFbuS_033SwVbTtThYr8fUzax7w9U71HFrwGCHMDp-tJ1_tjt124rs-ti4uQ8u3W1hrldGt51vmiCuU-A6fgXHuWCVgRuzIQeBm-pUrQt2aK8IBWQCoSr7Z00Bxk9ESC1Oocjnazo6AxTMR5qwRWk1wBbJn1aQ5QdSOQIYHab-BRA-O7iZNiy/s5184/R0013143.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v6bpFbuS_033SwVbTtThYr8fUzax7w9U71HFrwGCHMDp-tJ1_tjt124rs-ti4uQ8u3W1hrldGt51vmiCuU-A6fgXHuWCVgRuzIQeBm-pUrQt2aK8IBWQCoSr7Z00Bxk9ESC1Oocjnazo6AxTMR5qwRWk1wBbJn1aQ5QdSOQIYHab-BRA-O7iZNiy/w300-h400/R0013143.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These switchbacks are no joke.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3lIcUZIg_fdjjrh_INyNv4kp74MqVjIuVUFbKf8nv9oQG-oOZROt2nrTytwcx0H2az-XP0Ju1SIufbh-2MB6Eah8XZJuojSDh809Z1eR9x4ii_1b3f5XCGT4bAmZUSPI-K1hzOAI6ORS06NluVZrnUUI0DtE-ptJ1RuXBpjERyttgyj9rIh1DpEu/s5184/R0013150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3lIcUZIg_fdjjrh_INyNv4kp74MqVjIuVUFbKf8nv9oQG-oOZROt2nrTytwcx0H2az-XP0Ju1SIufbh-2MB6Eah8XZJuojSDh809Z1eR9x4ii_1b3f5XCGT4bAmZUSPI-K1hzOAI6ORS06NluVZrnUUI0DtE-ptJ1RuXBpjERyttgyj9rIh1DpEu/w400-h300/R0013150.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bear grass blooms.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB0UjYcCt8MVPBMEDNlYFDCCdxKIujvY2Dl8WFFZGb4Hpv3wNsZ5TmZmjJE4LPEQaCDphEt4_0iYYFTM7RG8Js-GUa8Dcziocm8jkJI6YrlIjkrPOGYteDljFU6tcg49YIy0oKoMBaAb_Po3Z0jJKOdwmHKLwUhcyQuw_2gZ4PJXEiPhmIgfdxE9v/s5184/R0013158.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB0UjYcCt8MVPBMEDNlYFDCCdxKIujvY2Dl8WFFZGb4Hpv3wNsZ5TmZmjJE4LPEQaCDphEt4_0iYYFTM7RG8Js-GUa8Dcziocm8jkJI6YrlIjkrPOGYteDljFU6tcg49YIy0oKoMBaAb_Po3Z0jJKOdwmHKLwUhcyQuw_2gZ4PJXEiPhmIgfdxE9v/w640-h480/R0013158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocks and a moon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAksfrvj8mUgHtLAGSEhB5CXWBNljjy19K5govh3SJZk9zQ4e3pkh2HyBgiMeqBNqunT0Qrb3Zg1dna7X1MHgSDKMVnvRnlFviMn2rzeE_KJ_ruUSglF6d9JbmItEFi49J6SdA8vUEO0Rs_nqxWGiiNlR5D-GrgWALnX9-DptHgkWqjFD5lmTDIo6c/s5184/R0013160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAksfrvj8mUgHtLAGSEhB5CXWBNljjy19K5govh3SJZk9zQ4e3pkh2HyBgiMeqBNqunT0Qrb3Zg1dna7X1MHgSDKMVnvRnlFviMn2rzeE_KJ_ruUSglF6d9JbmItEFi49J6SdA8vUEO0Rs_nqxWGiiNlR5D-GrgWALnX9-DptHgkWqjFD5lmTDIo6c/w400-h300/R0013160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo barely conveys a quarter of the majesty of this view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_lbSJRPnpmR70zS7rIyiSl93zRoweRPPVWjkBvhg0KtUK0SHTWwz_voHJTckyd06sHHL0T0xWTPvA7BrvXEfbKyGH0pKaiEaar3eOWW-5Xg_N0hVdXCEjtPTfEbBlX8BIbzEh3ujM6u56G1Pp6Wcch6fOpca49oV-qKx8jbNqLN0arhGrB5s-GyW/s5184/R0013168.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_lbSJRPnpmR70zS7rIyiSl93zRoweRPPVWjkBvhg0KtUK0SHTWwz_voHJTckyd06sHHL0T0xWTPvA7BrvXEfbKyGH0pKaiEaar3eOWW-5Xg_N0hVdXCEjtPTfEbBlX8BIbzEh3ujM6u56G1Pp6Wcch6fOpca49oV-qKx8jbNqLN0arhGrB5s-GyW/w400-h300/R0013168.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory Lewis & Clark pose.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bvhK4hEGz2Y-Q0eherIroFLUoBZ_XrZnLI6Yuinq-TmIPzRUzHgv4BAHYtRRhS4C5lBSal5yH0wcTMcLl3nuq2NjPDinf6RKaKRhvwPG0ELKc7RoXHu_mwms5ZGRzEMtBz2EzsyabHv_63ybbRN5GAySdJsLcsHh1rKs40ttdljc55HD6MNGCV1J/s5184/R0013174.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bvhK4hEGz2Y-Q0eherIroFLUoBZ_XrZnLI6Yuinq-TmIPzRUzHgv4BAHYtRRhS4C5lBSal5yH0wcTMcLl3nuq2NjPDinf6RKaKRhvwPG0ELKc7RoXHu_mwms5ZGRzEMtBz2EzsyabHv_63ybbRN5GAySdJsLcsHh1rKs40ttdljc55HD6MNGCV1J/w400-h300/R0013174.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is checking his messages.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnKf2JXOBLZcxz6GmwnOKyY8pa39jLs0RTuPVfNuG7mklkbG1XKE8uA88SKaFB9rbvvSQzMtFRQU_EgvPQm97yj5srIB2J3ORQM9kppVHeC6SiUBamvqEkJaBi2zgPxlLTlQD9qPuia9TRCb3xOaLksjkMJ9nK49GwLdwsZLGC6xozoWyHPhhTNkx/s5184/R0013180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnKf2JXOBLZcxz6GmwnOKyY8pa39jLs0RTuPVfNuG7mklkbG1XKE8uA88SKaFB9rbvvSQzMtFRQU_EgvPQm97yj5srIB2J3ORQM9kppVHeC6SiUBamvqEkJaBi2zgPxlLTlQD9qPuia9TRCb3xOaLksjkMJ9nK49GwLdwsZLGC6xozoWyHPhhTNkx/w400-h300/R0013180.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to the top of the ridge! And so fast!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquM-92yx-JJmSHyIS3XxOFbfn_7ObI88YDCbqPtKuTLAsKDI2NUJrJEInnBii037TPOeM5J7xeNhv9QCI7lp3GBzfSQwAXUb43iBgTF0HWiGudRraHoTnPOiA7BndSpnwFg3cSiztxo3E7MF3N3oRl0RtjekiYARkHZyZH7s_OYCL4V7BfRcWT6lv/s5184/R0013182.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquM-92yx-JJmSHyIS3XxOFbfn_7ObI88YDCbqPtKuTLAsKDI2NUJrJEInnBii037TPOeM5J7xeNhv9QCI7lp3GBzfSQwAXUb43iBgTF0HWiGudRraHoTnPOiA7BndSpnwFg3cSiztxo3E7MF3N3oRl0RtjekiYARkHZyZH7s_OYCL4V7BfRcWT6lv/w400-h300/R0013182.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose requested selfies on this trip. Clearly, I need to practice my technique.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcAc8W5QSi9jYErgaIDkG8vEmkWoICsD3qCwT4ngybh7JdBBJxrFxnHLAmvROPaBlseG0fiyrL9-c06F-tn8dGJAoEe6Z1FM7kL3jknKyEdgCwCv0x1f1sCf0eSJAX_Xq_e-6XeMqIyF3EjpbWvFCm9i7gvXtpaoQanY0yhEXwRxm6S-M-oN5HEId/s5184/R0013185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcAc8W5QSi9jYErgaIDkG8vEmkWoICsD3qCwT4ngybh7JdBBJxrFxnHLAmvROPaBlseG0fiyrL9-c06F-tn8dGJAoEe6Z1FM7kL3jknKyEdgCwCv0x1f1sCf0eSJAX_Xq_e-6XeMqIyF3EjpbWvFCm9i7gvXtpaoQanY0yhEXwRxm6S-M-oN5HEId/w400-h300/R0013185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little trailside snow.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDBSbNOQToOaqCnYGATz3MJaqMz1STlVQ0ckhuyH8eG5XsqEVpAoJ3J_tXWKf2IEw1JCf9znn3aYPkc5yWwZCoqNGhBGROfE-CrhSNC9ipU-yS7DlZRfxU4ZfCVYpSN4vigwE-Zm8HYaQVQj-OCXhzPwDZoODDW-l8x3R93Zo70goCx3rjhKT65XZ/s5184/R0013187.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDBSbNOQToOaqCnYGATz3MJaqMz1STlVQ0ckhuyH8eG5XsqEVpAoJ3J_tXWKf2IEw1JCf9znn3aYPkc5yWwZCoqNGhBGROfE-CrhSNC9ipU-yS7DlZRfxU4ZfCVYpSN4vigwE-Zm8HYaQVQj-OCXhzPwDZoODDW-l8x3R93Zo70goCx3rjhKT65XZ/w400-h300/R0013187.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of phlox next to some bear grass that is not in bloom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_I8d2u4lSPkJEzTsicQyaV-6z7gfypDu5eRzVByfykTgEepuNWGdiG19pJ6ndRebnIbGz98v-RTWBju1UJzq_hWLxxS6LlgmBnyZaQ6K6fEj-GMMBDKb8OKYjp47BY_3fpvfpgxWWuB3v4cbMwAIv8PIFhIjah3Rhqf_LiEn1W_iqxdvaNKljpAEb/s5184/R0013192.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_I8d2u4lSPkJEzTsicQyaV-6z7gfypDu5eRzVByfykTgEepuNWGdiG19pJ6ndRebnIbGz98v-RTWBju1UJzq_hWLxxS6LlgmBnyZaQ6K6fEj-GMMBDKb8OKYjp47BY_3fpvfpgxWWuB3v4cbMwAIv8PIFhIjah3Rhqf_LiEn1W_iqxdvaNKljpAEb/w400-h300/R0013192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The camera doesn't capture the distant mountains very well; some texture and definition gets lost in the haze.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC-EChOsZqjNEAY99_XIQPnxe7210LoPImSH1LtOvSvOfr5YoiF6-i03r_ID4bM4-CiyBZNCZFuxjALA20kAW-URHuDBq5hZXG7Fw_62cV6oBYwRb3ahHh6ema8JLhyrKZVMYMaXyUiUE7hq70j23yDViX30JUHDhZcFrafDCKwMuh8g8uNYRIZsu/s5184/R0013196.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC-EChOsZqjNEAY99_XIQPnxe7210LoPImSH1LtOvSvOfr5YoiF6-i03r_ID4bM4-CiyBZNCZFuxjALA20kAW-URHuDBq5hZXG7Fw_62cV6oBYwRb3ahHh6ema8JLhyrKZVMYMaXyUiUE7hq70j23yDViX30JUHDhZcFrafDCKwMuh8g8uNYRIZsu/w400-h300/R0013196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scarlet paintbrush so pretty I spent almost five minutes trying to get the perfect picture of it. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-bN9O6V8Ja-wi07q4k-OcKkzECKblZbhxFHXmiOTFHzgWmt03LBueNnaN7bhhWagjV6Fb6Ni7fiffFmEYB01ZyB_OjKSSB0ZytfCKaT4tTIKShqAFXU5mvQwpdzdi7F6128FBE5Ae2kYiErbiGUAm3GReu5IOtaj6jCs6_je-alP_wW6sTgedVYL/s5184/R0013199.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-bN9O6V8Ja-wi07q4k-OcKkzECKblZbhxFHXmiOTFHzgWmt03LBueNnaN7bhhWagjV6Fb6Ni7fiffFmEYB01ZyB_OjKSSB0ZytfCKaT4tTIKShqAFXU5mvQwpdzdi7F6128FBE5Ae2kYiErbiGUAm3GReu5IOtaj6jCs6_je-alP_wW6sTgedVYL/w400-h300/R0013199.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got some prints here, possibly wolf. Or dog. But we did see wolf scat... </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXitn22Mzmi8uHcT0dj43WIvrob0dhobPewYt0OK3gvo7WcCkFupp2YqQL_9bVAGnqsdqmzsWINgo8tstK_AHycK9MtKNHArkZL8YX-I0007lx9Va1h2O-4rdn2vTsl_BrXPhAQyOW-h4OI9u7mZeX9Ahav_FYsCwEsy0u5SSuuMTC8ECk1S3r5JG/s5184/R0013202.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXitn22Mzmi8uHcT0dj43WIvrob0dhobPewYt0OK3gvo7WcCkFupp2YqQL_9bVAGnqsdqmzsWINgo8tstK_AHycK9MtKNHArkZL8YX-I0007lx9Va1h2O-4rdn2vTsl_BrXPhAQyOW-h4OI9u7mZeX9Ahav_FYsCwEsy0u5SSuuMTC8ECk1S3r5JG/w400-h300/R0013202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoyed walking on the snow, even if it wasn't hot enough for me to want to put any under my hat (aka do a snow hat). </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWpg_5xuxcN7GspYHScXXhFR-z8YzHCHswNVVzm0L63FEMq_AybR6cAy8nV3qVSngicDFHczy5U7kBzxNZaKtFalCYVjsg4GJK9iJ2lUn7iQxP3irzzpmrsjky9Hs1REBB1ONGAwa3vJBhXbXvhCAmnXT058yQXBj2zUoMj22AvR2Q6rqdsCTCeYS/s5184/R0013214.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWpg_5xuxcN7GspYHScXXhFR-z8YzHCHswNVVzm0L63FEMq_AybR6cAy8nV3qVSngicDFHczy5U7kBzxNZaKtFalCYVjsg4GJK9iJ2lUn7iQxP3irzzpmrsjky9Hs1REBB1ONGAwa3vJBhXbXvhCAmnXT058yQXBj2zUoMj22AvR2Q6rqdsCTCeYS/w400-h300/R0013214.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the downed trees was easy enough to step over.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNIEz6aB2OmK1VMir-KlrIS0N4CiFJ8_rGnmyA8DHD9P7gA2tjvjZQW1Y_rbVFN9e4ndkPr30CRmoiAILXaGQikq0zPOLQYTm6ydEj56oxFSn0R6owSvuclEx1gPpSaX8pXXtKC2oeltJHTF5zev0lHv_1hc9xpU4tXh7JUcLcCNsG0nNxZNctLsC/s5184/R0013215.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNIEz6aB2OmK1VMir-KlrIS0N4CiFJ8_rGnmyA8DHD9P7gA2tjvjZQW1Y_rbVFN9e4ndkPr30CRmoiAILXaGQikq0zPOLQYTm6ydEj56oxFSn0R6owSvuclEx1gPpSaX8pXXtKC2oeltJHTF5zev0lHv_1hc9xpU4tXh7JUcLcCNsG0nNxZNctLsC/w400-h300/R0013215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More phlox! There was an awful lot of it that I didn't take pictures of.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZim0zqzuBTmsvd-g1XpwB6sJx2FXTMhMVyBGI2Tj-QNWUsN26au6gZwla_62eh7Y3DKIJ44cCTzElyS4bqjvlkLyAdvySZgihSFS0auloF4W0OmtufLE9hlJ-yQt-KH8rO04JMJ5SUhiV2QbShBcFbPNL3asyquBrebx9gzpV0gK22_n1q_kY0sWE/s5184/R0013224.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZim0zqzuBTmsvd-g1XpwB6sJx2FXTMhMVyBGI2Tj-QNWUsN26au6gZwla_62eh7Y3DKIJ44cCTzElyS4bqjvlkLyAdvySZgihSFS0auloF4W0OmtufLE9hlJ-yQt-KH8rO04JMJ5SUhiV2QbShBcFbPNL3asyquBrebx9gzpV0gK22_n1q_kY0sWE/w400-h300/R0013224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail isn't bad through the burned area.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdefTZPPeRivR9vCavSo0By5pTGSmLfbsWJULk3gR9OSiGw-lp6DZCibFUOzZz42jRMmv4_zs62rRas3-JO5UQ4rNEQzyhJdgLZInycqzzkTIXJ-r7wA9sgy9o_TI_09aR_lPTriNkKTfMWKAtJS5pbltPRuJCpaatFj4UWi--uf6kyHpDHK6vdC7/s5184/R0013226.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdefTZPPeRivR9vCavSo0By5pTGSmLfbsWJULk3gR9OSiGw-lp6DZCibFUOzZz42jRMmv4_zs62rRas3-JO5UQ4rNEQzyhJdgLZInycqzzkTIXJ-r7wA9sgy9o_TI_09aR_lPTriNkKTfMWKAtJS5pbltPRuJCpaatFj4UWi--uf6kyHpDHK6vdC7/w400-h300/R0013226.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small slice of the incredible array of wildflowers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TxfywmIeqQui2r_iwHQzI4mRGjgL7lklnjoJT5Vtq8YmRwnmcD8lz_xN-yeWf0rWTxmadDpxlcN0b1cmL6KnM07g6sxSMbedNilA0f7vfN_4QMO9_5yEaYiDODjZsBd3EOdkFETH9d7Tkqhw6Izi_d_KYurRPMiPAQ1j34xSmRLPF8ksQaGhgSKE/s5184/R0013230.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TxfywmIeqQui2r_iwHQzI4mRGjgL7lklnjoJT5Vtq8YmRwnmcD8lz_xN-yeWf0rWTxmadDpxlcN0b1cmL6KnM07g6sxSMbedNilA0f7vfN_4QMO9_5yEaYiDODjZsBd3EOdkFETH9d7Tkqhw6Izi_d_KYurRPMiPAQ1j34xSmRLPF8ksQaGhgSKE/w480-h640/R0013230.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot the woodpecker?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMid85Li8RP46UPyp74AFtqKW3Gf4TF8SnsTxRW3fxBXToTOFWXoip2cFD7QbfL_tBWrFGtSIne3mQB9XZ1uOhqNMecxeVrU2ephFYxTJXaMB7nHFxAW1maCfmxdwT2Lep9YT2SY1SPM9iLzjVZVhd9QyYBi1lHoMXQ_b7jxRImZthvhG1gUZqkxMt/s5184/R0013233.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMid85Li8RP46UPyp74AFtqKW3Gf4TF8SnsTxRW3fxBXToTOFWXoip2cFD7QbfL_tBWrFGtSIne3mQB9XZ1uOhqNMecxeVrU2ephFYxTJXaMB7nHFxAW1maCfmxdwT2Lep9YT2SY1SPM9iLzjVZVhd9QyYBi1lHoMXQ_b7jxRImZthvhG1gUZqkxMt/w400-h300/R0013233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a bit trickier to navigate around this downed tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEapc_Lqv4c8kzMGQzB2z0e3uvjzgB5oPEi4e4AOdTwne4IBIkGNXNxQNVddOx6MIGl9Kjqhv63_YTNyeRnw3u3y5Kn5_8j-ul0bKLjRDL1rXAUz4Mahx-gHHmLEs9ap6Sxxm3-a8jDtGDuZWuiP1yh-s_Grw4qHjUtrPVf65kxn51LmTl0eB1w6V/s5184/R0013241.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEapc_Lqv4c8kzMGQzB2z0e3uvjzgB5oPEi4e4AOdTwne4IBIkGNXNxQNVddOx6MIGl9Kjqhv63_YTNyeRnw3u3y5Kn5_8j-ul0bKLjRDL1rXAUz4Mahx-gHHmLEs9ap6Sxxm3-a8jDtGDuZWuiP1yh-s_Grw4qHjUtrPVf65kxn51LmTl0eB1w6V/w400-h300/R0013241.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another burned section.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyZqUra5ilpK2h8QQCljNQ2UNSmxmz__VI6Q7_320VsUk_yVK9uRb4PgNudDdqpxZaPk5vldCCCQd4jRz75hu6EwfEDFvUe3rT_Ooqx1sT7bhHFCn-o3m-_1SUfl7D4KQtUPn52FXt9856iwcnJsnZg4I2E_9tDf1psM7EPESFtihHQIgV1cS3_V1/s5184/R0013244.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyZqUra5ilpK2h8QQCljNQ2UNSmxmz__VI6Q7_320VsUk_yVK9uRb4PgNudDdqpxZaPk5vldCCCQd4jRz75hu6EwfEDFvUe3rT_Ooqx1sT7bhHFCn-o3m-_1SUfl7D4KQtUPn52FXt9856iwcnJsnZg4I2E_9tDf1psM7EPESFtihHQIgV1cS3_V1/w400-h300/R0013244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure what these flowers are called.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N3UYJQWg-hGw9-d8Q0HU_y9IC4AbGrRsftitpjLLsN8TPBYrivUJamSBKjTAnyBdcXyVxW8Ntynr1lna2sPSIOlGuzcjkS8GTX5idWOzTIxp6sYegDoVEyQty7y9yy7T6wN_P5SxmsXYJRPZUmsocFbbxDnKnriVFFevOOw17r0fggL68_K4Q5uy/s5184/R0013254.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N3UYJQWg-hGw9-d8Q0HU_y9IC4AbGrRsftitpjLLsN8TPBYrivUJamSBKjTAnyBdcXyVxW8Ntynr1lna2sPSIOlGuzcjkS8GTX5idWOzTIxp6sYegDoVEyQty7y9yy7T6wN_P5SxmsXYJRPZUmsocFbbxDnKnriVFFevOOw17r0fggL68_K4Q5uy/w400-h300/R0013254.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The burned section already had green growing things, showing it wasn't too badly burned.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScNP_fT4sYI7lK_rrqWb2MLijzhg5I7zd6VToMyNIwVeREtQOTmOoIbNLz52Wc7junB2grTTggvHmahm7aSIVH-Ao-kzacQH7R5G-0dKt3HByadynnCdDS-rP98bF3Rpk2FN5gXGsQcysOjI96dby_tnyWd8AjTdKTNI5LT79a16YIbxxkgn4tZ25/s5184/R0013259.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScNP_fT4sYI7lK_rrqWb2MLijzhg5I7zd6VToMyNIwVeREtQOTmOoIbNLz52Wc7junB2grTTggvHmahm7aSIVH-Ao-kzacQH7R5G-0dKt3HByadynnCdDS-rP98bF3Rpk2FN5gXGsQcysOjI96dby_tnyWd8AjTdKTNI5LT79a16YIbxxkgn4tZ25/w400-h300/R0013259.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it! I headed off to the left to try and find water.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E5mJwoYOhDb_KQUD51WAqmeONDeJDU4ESTh_zSRDwHsOomao2391NwVXEru0znpoupMvHODpv49v1dNdnUE16zVP8mnK_Rl61T--Lnx9M8VQzQwDaef9o1H9yzadNqqJYEzLmeaBZyYJPcj76eDz82857W6mAGIJLfZmtMo_OAUEs1QtI1uvygo4/s5184/R0013260.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E5mJwoYOhDb_KQUD51WAqmeONDeJDU4ESTh_zSRDwHsOomao2391NwVXEru0znpoupMvHODpv49v1dNdnUE16zVP8mnK_Rl61T--Lnx9M8VQzQwDaef9o1H9yzadNqqJYEzLmeaBZyYJPcj76eDz82857W6mAGIJLfZmtMo_OAUEs1QtI1uvygo4/w400-h300/R0013260.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose tended to his messages.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcdPP-EsM2HOnJnftiv-vRZzBl85aya9-J3C4Bk6gJ-J9CyzmCgHFB2JDODxpWYFK0yZxWpSd-DEWO_cKr0segB9KIZq-Z77hSKtlie5WYxvBvRDZkN8iludpnrafwOo2s2B2rTtF7SL1wsC2rpPLs1YEHCsca6HAD08_rOqnIovBMkZjRXXm_gd0/s5184/R0013262.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcdPP-EsM2HOnJnftiv-vRZzBl85aya9-J3C4Bk6gJ-J9CyzmCgHFB2JDODxpWYFK0yZxWpSd-DEWO_cKr0segB9KIZq-Z77hSKtlie5WYxvBvRDZkN8iludpnrafwOo2s2B2rTtF7SL1wsC2rpPLs1YEHCsca6HAD08_rOqnIovBMkZjRXXm_gd0/w400-h300/R0013262.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A helicopter circled around twice.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLzjntzosnmszY8f_bWn-peOE1JOMsbnGz4PpdGP9JQCcAfcxqyzBvntPjRll24KyPrcXoj5XU8E608XWfHDEGXX-ncrGm12w68eb-faC_lKTdWFbJeJF8SPHMRjrKxANI3roqVXpWyN9TCn9SPEz_9mlFwV9HAeYjpR4f_zLjOrZNmOSgNOYlGLA/s5184/R0013264.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLzjntzosnmszY8f_bWn-peOE1JOMsbnGz4PpdGP9JQCcAfcxqyzBvntPjRll24KyPrcXoj5XU8E608XWfHDEGXX-ncrGm12w68eb-faC_lKTdWFbJeJF8SPHMRjrKxANI3roqVXpWyN9TCn9SPEz_9mlFwV9HAeYjpR4f_zLjOrZNmOSgNOYlGLA/w400-h300/R0013264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found the water! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbU-5EUpbBTTesZon1kgrpWHfMVISae3nDj2m8c0GUNd6DsizUT-0WYAIoLlEhBULxULFLvyGaM8HSjoqBU6vmPS2pAKoBIiOI7x1vbI1pZ9Dp3QzuI_cqCMvM-Ou0NlEpcB0e3bpngTS71TnGgay-DJ1055rP08to4jg0ZUCUec1z-E469XO6NZI/s5184/R0013266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbU-5EUpbBTTesZon1kgrpWHfMVISae3nDj2m8c0GUNd6DsizUT-0WYAIoLlEhBULxULFLvyGaM8HSjoqBU6vmPS2pAKoBIiOI7x1vbI1pZ9Dp3QzuI_cqCMvM-Ou0NlEpcB0e3bpngTS71TnGgay-DJ1055rP08to4jg0ZUCUec1z-E469XO6NZI/w400-h300/R0013266.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my side of the tent.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-927Bi-LpIgAGWIuTMSvEDCsJEL6IfMMXVNK0C4zh5kPVONTx2awh2mpXbRsXu66k7V8OPbOoN6dtGAz9fMV2foWBAPTUzgTx9Ys1TmdOvuK5IsxC1hklSF3sMlv-AnxfNBR-ZWHG6_p6VU3t-vE1j6Sp987i6JynVRsZXvBUbnxGVzBRVd6tJ60L/s5184/R0013271.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-927Bi-LpIgAGWIuTMSvEDCsJEL6IfMMXVNK0C4zh5kPVONTx2awh2mpXbRsXu66k7V8OPbOoN6dtGAz9fMV2foWBAPTUzgTx9Ys1TmdOvuK5IsxC1hklSF3sMlv-AnxfNBR-ZWHG6_p6VU3t-vE1j6Sp987i6JynVRsZXvBUbnxGVzBRVd6tJ60L/w400-h300/R0013271.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a nice spot to camp.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RtDF9B251Uxka7goxReHrBfrTfRtsl928xTaMGTR2xUNrsi6VTsFXkXTs5WFpOa6YNh5aQoVq3FetO_zy-sGUuRCvbswUoYuJeuUgj5DtprlAhM3b8PbDh31wrT5mhZle5ylUMaDVUKDF6N5t7Onxd_G_5FHi1llnd36os0TGopobpDIFu44xpNd/s5184/R0013273.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RtDF9B251Uxka7goxReHrBfrTfRtsl928xTaMGTR2xUNrsi6VTsFXkXTs5WFpOa6YNh5aQoVq3FetO_zy-sGUuRCvbswUoYuJeuUgj5DtprlAhM3b8PbDh31wrT5mhZle5ylUMaDVUKDF6N5t7Onxd_G_5FHi1llnd36os0TGopobpDIFu44xpNd/w400-h300/R0013273.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My food bag and snack bag, snug in a tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueYdubBmta08HNEUUAGp5y_eF5kwVW7pHKZA9Qd-uwCS46As-ZJPxH6L4LRML7QeiOQTG9d2Tz9xBc4UN6sKOQb-IBdB1g24WEFopkN6EFpT1EMVodnNvg-7cfS8XlBAOR5CZUtXHPb6yuQ783uRPQZ9mAXoAULMKJKZZqAVwQjhklLKWiw5ddZkU/s5184/R0013275.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueYdubBmta08HNEUUAGp5y_eF5kwVW7pHKZA9Qd-uwCS46As-ZJPxH6L4LRML7QeiOQTG9d2Tz9xBc4UN6sKOQb-IBdB1g24WEFopkN6EFpT1EMVodnNvg-7cfS8XlBAOR5CZUtXHPb6yuQ783uRPQZ9mAXoAULMKJKZZqAVwQjhklLKWiw5ddZkU/w400-h300/R0013275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose has it easy with the Ursack.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b1q3eib33hYQzDsQLkGAq-mOw0PBbNPyHoLE7FgF6Ijmaqak27uVFt1HGOtKV1-UwhMx7ih7kJQm42RT5EGIAX59pgjDED9c5jdt8PZD7Tl8_M9vAGTOONr2eb5SX2UrztcZmZPmIo06Nypfl0gd2Oxn5u78YKkMspeKluE2y-XT6iaNufpJKava/s5184/R0013276.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b1q3eib33hYQzDsQLkGAq-mOw0PBbNPyHoLE7FgF6Ijmaqak27uVFt1HGOtKV1-UwhMx7ih7kJQm42RT5EGIAX59pgjDED9c5jdt8PZD7Tl8_M9vAGTOONr2eb5SX2UrztcZmZPmIo06Nypfl0gd2Oxn5u78YKkMspeKluE2y-XT6iaNufpJKava/w400-h300/R0013276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tiniest of flowers with my index finger for scale. </td></tr></tbody></table>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-50379128212339092462022-08-10T08:00:00.055-06:002022-08-10T08:00:00.238-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 1<p>Now, I can understand why Ambrose would want to call this day "zero." We weren't going to be hiking very far on this first day, but for me, the day you start backpacking is day one. After the slow, but frantic drive to the cutoff trail, it was finally time. The air was still heavy with moisture, and we weren't sure whether it might rain on us again. We got moving. </p><p>The cutoff trail is about 3/4 of a mile, and climbs about 500 feet. It's in decent shape, and we were able to move pretty quickly along it. My shoulders did start to ache a bit from the pack, but that happens most every trip - the first couple days are hardest on my shoulders, and then from a combination of them getting used to it and my backpack weight dropping as I eat, it gets easier. </p><p>There are huckleberries along that trail, but we were too early for them. The only berries I saw were absolutely green. But we were right on time for a spectacular bear grass bloom. Some of the bear grass blooms were bent over from the rain, but they were still beautiful. They almost looked like they were praying. </p><p>The cutoff trail ends at the Werdenhoff Mine. Ambrose and I had hiked out to look at the mine itself over the 4th of July weekend, so we didn't linger there longer than it took to take a few pictures. On this trip, Ambrose had decided that he wanted to take more pictures of me. I was happy about that, because usually I'm not in any of the pictures on our trips. But on this trip, I had total permission to bug him to take the camera and appreciate his wife :) </p><p>After the pictures, we followed the road up towards the Mosquito Ridge Trailhead. We would be stopping for the night just south of the trailhead at a place that's marked on the old maps as "Jeep Camp." It's where we should have stopped the very first time we did the Chamberlain loop, and where we almost always stop now. On that first trip, we were just so determined to get back to the car that we went for it. I got to the car before sunset; Ambrose made it at about 2 am. Yeah, we really should have just camped that night... </p><p>It didn't take us too long to get there. We really only hiked a couple of hours, which isn't all that much. But we were out there. Out in the woods, on the edge of the wilderness, where few folks venture. We saw tire treads that indicated that someone had driven up the road recently, but we also passed by a fallen log that would block any <i>other</i> vehicles from coming by. If anyone were to drive up by Jeep Camp, we'd hear chainsaws first. </p><p>But on that day, we didn't see another soul. </p><p>Ambrose got to making us lunch while I set the tent up, because I was worried that it might rain again. Once that was done, Ambrose and I found some shade and just soaked in the peace and quiet, the sounds of the wind and the chitterings of the nearby animals. It was nice to be out there and not have anything else that needed done. </p><p>I mean, aside from all the camp chores. Even "relaxing" out in the woods isn't exactly a passive activity. We have to move periodically to stay in the shade and catch a nice breeze. Staying hydrated is important, and more so when we knew we'd have a big uphill hike the next day, so we have to drink, which involves collecting water from a nearby stream, then filtering it. And, of course, after drinking enough we'd have to make our own water. </p><p>Somehow, I like that it isn't easy out there. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a hot shower and a flush toilet, but there's also something about the work required to be in the woods that appeals to me. </p><p>After dinner, we soon made our way to the tent to hide from the emerging mosquitos. It was going to be an early morning, so I was careful not to stay up too late. Ambrose, as usual, dropped right off to sleep. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSNky35RhY98RlSRx0ZDEAZES_9a3AM5Zc7CAvokgmZwJ0F1lXYmui8AkGHoMt30kL5z5HJIl_sQQ2J18BaeRNib6gOO9tPH05ba0tn1LDDyUH_WcZNPFVM_0lpp9B8UKJOUMA2AnHqHTwVJYWjNbM9o4ryb2joic8bsFS8ioTnoZ2cEeLMJ6Eu5c/s5184/R0013077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSNky35RhY98RlSRx0ZDEAZES_9a3AM5Zc7CAvokgmZwJ0F1lXYmui8AkGHoMt30kL5z5HJIl_sQQ2J18BaeRNib6gOO9tPH05ba0tn1LDDyUH_WcZNPFVM_0lpp9B8UKJOUMA2AnHqHTwVJYWjNbM9o4ryb2joic8bsFS8ioTnoZ2cEeLMJ6Eu5c/w400-h300/R0013077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is READY.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvTcZ24yKUsauXgUV8BinQCVufw5Jpj75n1TywI2P-mk0wZUI2rJI7dbvzsgjLNIgQndt4k75L1HbGyHMGIb8RuC0h11JvYRNcLMMskuc9ZHbFYtf3xjJUh76lPqcGdlRns6k2bp5jZPtk7h8B-r0rXAXU3Uxvra9e4z9B9SL7onSOBFtuuoJ10Ux/s5184/R0013079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvTcZ24yKUsauXgUV8BinQCVufw5Jpj75n1TywI2P-mk0wZUI2rJI7dbvzsgjLNIgQndt4k75L1HbGyHMGIb8RuC0h11JvYRNcLMMskuc9ZHbFYtf3xjJUh76lPqcGdlRns6k2bp5jZPtk7h8B-r0rXAXU3Uxvra9e4z9B9SL7onSOBFtuuoJ10Ux/w400-h300/R0013079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose is not only ready to leave, but also ready to take pictures of me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cu5aLKOdlGQOXL8ROpi5EB7RtFKXnPWw1NT1HcMetf9FDGqlYtS4I6a2JNDg597-zbn2wMomYf7sdrCYGlAn2K38-Z0NXgS9Ta8aBnZma3SBq9lS4firBdJyc-yEDIQSB_ZceL5IOafyoUbD9As2J6aq3oHnzdUF6mSnGJnh82RnHzdiqBHhzqE-/s5184/R0013082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cu5aLKOdlGQOXL8ROpi5EB7RtFKXnPWw1NT1HcMetf9FDGqlYtS4I6a2JNDg597-zbn2wMomYf7sdrCYGlAn2K38-Z0NXgS9Ta8aBnZma3SBq9lS4firBdJyc-yEDIQSB_ZceL5IOafyoUbD9As2J6aq3oHnzdUF6mSnGJnh82RnHzdiqBHhzqE-/w400-h300/R0013082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz2A1I4Znum8ZF2r8G4V6fBQXTneOOKSQo8jBWEp1_69N3ErB6Ps9BHVVgZQ5LwBUeRbj_hSsi1TbqU4DPgsA4AqdzpqhHSYcK11qvLlElh63SrRZbQJnj0d1eKG7Jv-EH4qQhkMo3-pi5hL-iLqW3WPH_HBA2ofDxJYuDFqXdRDjzmloDsZaitaU/s5184/R0013087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz2A1I4Znum8ZF2r8G4V6fBQXTneOOKSQo8jBWEp1_69N3ErB6Ps9BHVVgZQ5LwBUeRbj_hSsi1TbqU4DPgsA4AqdzpqhHSYcK11qvLlElh63SrRZbQJnj0d1eKG7Jv-EH4qQhkMo3-pi5hL-iLqW3WPH_HBA2ofDxJYuDFqXdRDjzmloDsZaitaU/w400-h300/R0013087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the cutoff trail is pretty flat. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_7X3YBGgbz3EijrD9AyvZEgrLD4A-3M1ak_jxRISPkrZKYVvENjz-TvIJPgZenj0IucOKqSMOLm8KzZ2Px5Oc1QgM6IqDGkk23uqcsPWW0voXUFlcgLdP3QOQg3W46aNCpfdP5sagxKy8pPRabtwcXinhE-02hFWA3KgmQUv09Q0m8yYbAk3obCO/s5184/R0013089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_7X3YBGgbz3EijrD9AyvZEgrLD4A-3M1ak_jxRISPkrZKYVvENjz-TvIJPgZenj0IucOKqSMOLm8KzZ2Px5Oc1QgM6IqDGkk23uqcsPWW0voXUFlcgLdP3QOQg3W46aNCpfdP5sagxKy8pPRabtwcXinhE-02hFWA3KgmQUv09Q0m8yYbAk3obCO/w400-h300/R0013089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raindrops on rose.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlDoyOQH3jQfRfXjV0vWFa4xXxWhEX6RtXFDwpc6qQO3sPPK9kjvPPuvyHOW-DfFtq2_58O0NyYnGRu0dYm1nYb3ZrBrhT1UV1OVXcK8p7aXVF63tB9FTjlde4ZFUR0spBVLXXlmKCC74mat-i8lqLk5BVjO7sEXUcAYps3WNumwBW_lvMQSS-yGX/s5184/R0013092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlDoyOQH3jQfRfXjV0vWFa4xXxWhEX6RtXFDwpc6qQO3sPPK9kjvPPuvyHOW-DfFtq2_58O0NyYnGRu0dYm1nYb3ZrBrhT1UV1OVXcK8p7aXVF63tB9FTjlde4ZFUR0spBVLXXlmKCC74mat-i8lqLk5BVjO7sEXUcAYps3WNumwBW_lvMQSS-yGX/w400-h300/R0013092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36i_E48etL8MQQdLd3bC66u69MITXdph6JnWXuLOmvswORk-py6AmR64PMKFuFzCzUcmFNbsc47NkqGdOPgulW_m3ZUL2JsIGllKj7oqQlJ9Jjx81JSu86lEayxNY_lvZ0kjgh6S_Q-j_0synm_bvhB0ziXEj1178ruKdyYwbmhUJqspAUaryS2vZ/s5184/R0013094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36i_E48etL8MQQdLd3bC66u69MITXdph6JnWXuLOmvswORk-py6AmR64PMKFuFzCzUcmFNbsc47NkqGdOPgulW_m3ZUL2JsIGllKj7oqQlJ9Jjx81JSu86lEayxNY_lvZ0kjgh6S_Q-j_0synm_bvhB0ziXEj1178ruKdyYwbmhUJqspAUaryS2vZ/w400-h300/R0013094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raindrops on lily.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0knCuTib33QQxS9ueLjfBgHtIAr8XA7H1M1LYCUwed3R5HsldrKm3XsdDoWNGIpSWsu79ZVA3uqrp2tXtl45MzTeck0MSdROnVbuFN9Nk3aHjwTfIDjjKrrCCfbYI9pHiGxOBTiSvyApZOrw8cFFpUVuASR8kuY4opgT-w03hve80UtouKJ5EAPF/s5184/R0013095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0knCuTib33QQxS9ueLjfBgHtIAr8XA7H1M1LYCUwed3R5HsldrKm3XsdDoWNGIpSWsu79ZVA3uqrp2tXtl45MzTeck0MSdROnVbuFN9Nk3aHjwTfIDjjKrrCCfbYI9pHiGxOBTiSvyApZOrw8cFFpUVuASR8kuY4opgT-w03hve80UtouKJ5EAPF/w400-h300/R0013095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These huckleberries are nowhere near ripe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguilPlQwATYvuJKrty58iHuCy_JGtIVMdU7HhA0zMgCv5cgih8fkIAU7k0M2kbiMgGL-C5PwvwvgKqGCzX9eCsj-BoK8EXEUT_qumNsC7bcjiaomjX8sOkyBSlL2KmYOC5d2zfV1BAH0cLz2XHJx1zNrSvAUJAamKo54Wwp_MgHu5g2oIskrapaIyR/s5184/R0013097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguilPlQwATYvuJKrty58iHuCy_JGtIVMdU7HhA0zMgCv5cgih8fkIAU7k0M2kbiMgGL-C5PwvwvgKqGCzX9eCsj-BoK8EXEUT_qumNsC7bcjiaomjX8sOkyBSlL2KmYOC5d2zfV1BAH0cLz2XHJx1zNrSvAUJAamKo54Wwp_MgHu5g2oIskrapaIyR/w400-h300/R0013097.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bent over bear grass.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMdBTJaMQUy7Yxc8ZUNIbyU_EKR5W1WOaYCSNLh4RsRwN6_odpUldI-Snys0z5mOFPXtlSDneyy_7snhTrKP0Mj8DVidk7f-WGlElSbd0Rj_JLR4FRr8S_hst18GAVqj5z4v3FAGJLJcC9iaOM4VB4k7JFsLW4B-bYaLUq_v5A_5q34CzIR-vsHZ2/s5184/R0013098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMdBTJaMQUy7Yxc8ZUNIbyU_EKR5W1WOaYCSNLh4RsRwN6_odpUldI-Snys0z5mOFPXtlSDneyy_7snhTrKP0Mj8DVidk7f-WGlElSbd0Rj_JLR4FRr8S_hst18GAVqj5z4v3FAGJLJcC9iaOM4VB4k7JFsLW4B-bYaLUq_v5A_5q34CzIR-vsHZ2/w400-h300/R0013098.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bear grass was a'bloomin.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXInSXDl0kmPh-LJg5aBP_2_pvJZhDFSz6xutgmVIMyPwyF_IEvAvtkxKV1HHY2hk1vYBLmoJfSGxGTyQOlW0E7LhBzr4BNGQgJO1WUruT92j1oWPSuvOO-RI_wTnkgNXHIGsdA--rmHVg-vYfY0TpI6pmalDa8Ku-V5A51nUi46wZnkzY0V-iTxi/s5184/R0013100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXInSXDl0kmPh-LJg5aBP_2_pvJZhDFSz6xutgmVIMyPwyF_IEvAvtkxKV1HHY2hk1vYBLmoJfSGxGTyQOlW0E7LhBzr4BNGQgJO1WUruT92j1oWPSuvOO-RI_wTnkgNXHIGsdA--rmHVg-vYfY0TpI6pmalDa8Ku-V5A51nUi46wZnkzY0V-iTxi/w400-h300/R0013100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tree is down pretty close to the end of the trail, and I was hoping maybe someone would have chopped it out, but alas, not yet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dWKAcLy68gdWeoktKQEUMX4nltc87mibQmrCfZBE4pDk3m2JqkRybVzooOC30f25Ve9D6Zl1-NA79VMNLpr-v9XjyOBLwxv1OjVj8LmD1sYhHvSkVcmH2CoDn3RSQ3oSL032FcGxKPpHU34uzvGiE7bk9yvMrIr8RJVM9OEhqYuI3m2q1jUo6F0-/s5184/R0013102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dWKAcLy68gdWeoktKQEUMX4nltc87mibQmrCfZBE4pDk3m2JqkRybVzooOC30f25Ve9D6Zl1-NA79VMNLpr-v9XjyOBLwxv1OjVj8LmD1sYhHvSkVcmH2CoDn3RSQ3oSL032FcGxKPpHU34uzvGiE7bk9yvMrIr8RJVM9OEhqYuI3m2q1jUo6F0-/w400-h300/R0013102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose at the mine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQbhbdjGIrYmAAzWltGlGQdjefTfZbC_1b_GDQAidysFuDcbEAl_hLrSzDtaxvNsDIwrMhPw_5b-hkIKIs_0fHvOPnx_3FkR-7w-pzAk0vTBqGDmOb_klnBJtCtHsNIbsU4aaxpi5BOvmuEOwCbdh9fyFdcbq-GUsT0nN4y_XTisaDqZCMsE0shAF/s5184/R0013104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQbhbdjGIrYmAAzWltGlGQdjefTfZbC_1b_GDQAidysFuDcbEAl_hLrSzDtaxvNsDIwrMhPw_5b-hkIKIs_0fHvOPnx_3FkR-7w-pzAk0vTBqGDmOb_klnBJtCtHsNIbsU4aaxpi5BOvmuEOwCbdh9fyFdcbq-GUsT0nN4y_XTisaDqZCMsE0shAF/w400-h300/R0013104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the mine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPrYkyJH_mh05t9yLRdpdwmhroCNSC70BZc7s2sB7HJdDaeYz4KV0vvKFOtTScvEEWj1V0ah-dGO7AP0xzMBrZyynD1qN963UwuJk0NxY7BcWeJOB31PEsuSTRE_SwJ85odYdmWqN6krG-S9nqhHsm6ilrQnlhSfpd9-3-f0UU-ByMlAZoILPUiZu/s5184/R0013108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPrYkyJH_mh05t9yLRdpdwmhroCNSC70BZc7s2sB7HJdDaeYz4KV0vvKFOtTScvEEWj1V0ah-dGO7AP0xzMBrZyynD1qN963UwuJk0NxY7BcWeJOB31PEsuSTRE_SwJ85odYdmWqN6krG-S9nqhHsm6ilrQnlhSfpd9-3-f0UU-ByMlAZoILPUiZu/w400-h300/R0013108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That looked like it would be a slippery bridge, but it wasn't.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPE6rVISMNwIvGZlRMJV8HRgbeUygvZilH4g7fNsi-Dts3EfK7otrfMVMAMeogsF_NGWLG11Z0IE9Xb7G5v26yv515ZIOcbNpFbtEPKE2T2qId35bgqZtZWFKe2KYVo6icKd12p-K9_OFB7hNHV-jEJb83M6k_6tOEPY9C7ULrYpwaQ1qNU6Vgj_D/s5184/R0013110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPE6rVISMNwIvGZlRMJV8HRgbeUygvZilH4g7fNsi-Dts3EfK7otrfMVMAMeogsF_NGWLG11Z0IE9Xb7G5v26yv515ZIOcbNpFbtEPKE2T2qId35bgqZtZWFKe2KYVo6icKd12p-K9_OFB7hNHV-jEJb83M6k_6tOEPY9C7ULrYpwaQ1qNU6Vgj_D/w400-h300/R0013110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were glad someone had been clearing out this part of the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiruL9dSsIammjTKaxv5VIsr5ffQpZ3MLqJFLOu4yh1UwluQlWhQib9WeXfZwkp5nSML7c4cSpaXw_zofkG-PzvAgSxouL9MvipgIbuPCAwkG1xp_TkKJoKZgwVPas1HimIR-nt9ZO1W_CbPT0eOT-IiRAfHtiZ-yUN7wRvmKd_68CfbNjZYw--uG/s5184/R0013112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiruL9dSsIammjTKaxv5VIsr5ffQpZ3MLqJFLOu4yh1UwluQlWhQib9WeXfZwkp5nSML7c4cSpaXw_zofkG-PzvAgSxouL9MvipgIbuPCAwkG1xp_TkKJoKZgwVPas1HimIR-nt9ZO1W_CbPT0eOT-IiRAfHtiZ-yUN7wRvmKd_68CfbNjZYw--uG/w400-h300/R0013112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tire tracks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnJwxPTSQRx3Sk2vKl6aJsxnY86syNXrxuszVcwV8hBz_FvsGlfP1T7SbY9Ry1CXtKoO6DdflySSUmGAT59CQQnvaZHNED4k_m1ZhL3ObtgRJScLmq0ZGZtVPEEqmaRUuS1f_rxvPLwxN54a15_GLHsEj-vYK9KNrdl1MvVKXiBxvHsNBOqh6qCxo/s5184/R0013114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnJwxPTSQRx3Sk2vKl6aJsxnY86syNXrxuszVcwV8hBz_FvsGlfP1T7SbY9Ry1CXtKoO6DdflySSUmGAT59CQQnvaZHNED4k_m1ZhL3ObtgRJScLmq0ZGZtVPEEqmaRUuS1f_rxvPLwxN54a15_GLHsEj-vYK9KNrdl1MvVKXiBxvHsNBOqh6qCxo/w400-h300/R0013114.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I don't think I'd even drive my Subaru up here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMXMseyZTkmO36X5OrMqkNnc63H6J7y-ywCtXYoqgV6UlQ-Mb-cc5ThkHfJfQqQu-7MA5NJsm1tK6ATlD-eb_B5jbHzp_uKQXW7zP4W3sAh92Zu9RylidrAFNThiz01uBnxlE2Luo9akwAnFyDjKrEvaRNL5v3Vax-nrogkzgUIfQoJLeQxwhItB7/s5184/R0013120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMXMseyZTkmO36X5OrMqkNnc63H6J7y-ywCtXYoqgV6UlQ-Mb-cc5ThkHfJfQqQu-7MA5NJsm1tK6ATlD-eb_B5jbHzp_uKQXW7zP4W3sAh92Zu9RylidrAFNThiz01uBnxlE2Luo9akwAnFyDjKrEvaRNL5v3Vax-nrogkzgUIfQoJLeQxwhItB7/w400-h300/R0013120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky section of road - we had to watch our ankles here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsrhi9ibLYZmcJ-qyxQVZvfdWFmVnCW9H-bWRdcEPpMUApjhB8bF_g5x5Qc6hfyTYTFxDXdd6ZtkMQ3hk4tKDCkW2cZ9qXbYyy4eiK-BAdZuw8adYsa16f_J88X2e0ZRgM6ikHQ7I6fV5pBuRy-gdueKQcrrPXWYgE_dZiZh4V9T343JoBpTh4Peo/s5184/R0013122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsrhi9ibLYZmcJ-qyxQVZvfdWFmVnCW9H-bWRdcEPpMUApjhB8bF_g5x5Qc6hfyTYTFxDXdd6ZtkMQ3hk4tKDCkW2cZ9qXbYyy4eiK-BAdZuw8adYsa16f_J88X2e0ZRgM6ikHQ7I6fV5pBuRy-gdueKQcrrPXWYgE_dZiZh4V9T343JoBpTh4Peo/w400-h300/R0013122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No motor vehicle is getting past that tree easily.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXOH46REhd-fofLyBv7e-PujAl-_FQ8O_6-iBzSGSGtL7dlSeBsKhyNT-43-YC_cclR2FTvHQpKzA7PK34H0CN5tC00E0cC8S-_F8wOJRYe5OL1z-tOTJLC9EoSsNatR-woKiOcdtbIdqX3rMJjcnvMklo_6hdTm1qpnREk-OpRnY6MW-RlNJhBmc/s5184/R0013124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXOH46REhd-fofLyBv7e-PujAl-_FQ8O_6-iBzSGSGtL7dlSeBsKhyNT-43-YC_cclR2FTvHQpKzA7PK34H0CN5tC00E0cC8S-_F8wOJRYe5OL1z-tOTJLC9EoSsNatR-woKiOcdtbIdqX3rMJjcnvMklo_6hdTm1qpnREk-OpRnY6MW-RlNJhBmc/w400-h300/R0013124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeep Camp!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlp3-UGGkq02J1FkWqIzz7LQ5EMMlADLXPlNBLg8l5Mt4wRCh8E2XM0gn1cLDM2yj7avwx4Ai2Z4_Kgnj-X-be0JGRyszzl6yWHVcdbi6kHthnvliJfBFUVE91ThjQySNfsFuLIg6HR81LVfTNPLvUG8cM7wpPJH-haYyFWEGKwoKfpzhTbjwtJZq/s5184/R0013126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlp3-UGGkq02J1FkWqIzz7LQ5EMMlADLXPlNBLg8l5Mt4wRCh8E2XM0gn1cLDM2yj7avwx4Ai2Z4_Kgnj-X-be0JGRyszzl6yWHVcdbi6kHthnvliJfBFUVE91ThjQySNfsFuLIg6HR81LVfTNPLvUG8cM7wpPJH-haYyFWEGKwoKfpzhTbjwtJZq/w400-h300/R0013126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose getting settled.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJNL8ZxvP9wFjrFUVsljwOX32SB0JbJ497USq19NXQXSSKbZerRw1u8SdTj17TIqYJMNTSfIFusLX7nP0DRSV60ZfHFihSRXNp4Pu1FRGK769AwsDBQ9HE_s4Eou2jmXcdEAAvwydUUkXJQZaCNYDmdSeHXP4-Zh6l28046p197qeBhIE9RDnmjD8/s5184/R0013129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJNL8ZxvP9wFjrFUVsljwOX32SB0JbJ497USq19NXQXSSKbZerRw1u8SdTj17TIqYJMNTSfIFusLX7nP0DRSV60ZfHFihSRXNp4Pu1FRGK769AwsDBQ9HE_s4Eou2jmXcdEAAvwydUUkXJQZaCNYDmdSeHXP4-Zh6l28046p197qeBhIE9RDnmjD8/w400-h300/R0013129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was nice to take my hat off for a moment and feel the breeze.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27d7RO9zt_wi3dqZbmusaXSDVTHq5V_2tf1RVS_MpMhaAv56I5QVZfH0rk1GBAwMntuY9DPf4hlf4YArJy_qNeCLxlxr6_ulVvVVh4uIjjFAqY-fuuqLD5OHywQ_JUOcosUEWBJaacWsmh8uKBHTF1z0suUqAdnpFWguhC_Ie-dqoYaDq9komfCJE/s5184/R0013131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27d7RO9zt_wi3dqZbmusaXSDVTHq5V_2tf1RVS_MpMhaAv56I5QVZfH0rk1GBAwMntuY9DPf4hlf4YArJy_qNeCLxlxr6_ulVvVVh4uIjjFAqY-fuuqLD5OHywQ_JUOcosUEWBJaacWsmh8uKBHTF1z0suUqAdnpFWguhC_Ie-dqoYaDq9komfCJE/w300-h400/R0013131.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambrose walked up to the trailhead with the camera and found the registration box was broken (again).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCNz5rEH5pUoNUmx74QjAelYdV2QEm_zf-WLV5hwSMhVuKhmDO6ritDMm8wOnB19Lj7IoWSgi1VdrJAcK2FbI5t2e3luKI0mUELTxrB8QRR-juUDh_fcfq-9eFjJLtKsnGJW0AE7NZfmlo0stkUuKHvLVt5BxSH48q3dKoJCe_DdCscUEkRI9BbCS/s5184/R0013133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCNz5rEH5pUoNUmx74QjAelYdV2QEm_zf-WLV5hwSMhVuKhmDO6ritDMm8wOnB19Lj7IoWSgi1VdrJAcK2FbI5t2e3luKI0mUELTxrB8QRR-juUDh_fcfq-9eFjJLtKsnGJW0AE7NZfmlo0stkUuKHvLVt5BxSH48q3dKoJCe_DdCscUEkRI9BbCS/w400-h300/R0013133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did a pretty good pitch. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-85867920640032922382022-08-03T08:00:00.015-06:002022-08-03T08:00:00.231-06:00Frank Church Trip 2022 - Day 0<p>When it comes to our backpacking trips, Ambrose has a habit that I don't agree with. The first day that we hike, the day that we are hiking out, is the day he calls Day 0. To me, that's Day 1. It's the first day of the trip. Day 0? Well, that's the day before the trip. And that's where I will start my narrative. </p><p>To begin, we had originally planned for this to be a hike for three people. We were going to meet our friend Bill up at Big Creek and hike out all together. Unfortunately, Bill was ill. Worst timing ever! But a good chance for Ambrose and I to reconnect and celebrate each other, especially considering that the anniversary of the day we met (which we celebrate) would be the day we hiked back in. </p><p>For this trip, we had 7 planned days of hiking, and full days devoted to travel on either end. It's nice not to be rushed before or after the hike itself, when we can. And so on Thursday, July 14, we set off from home to Big Creek. </p><p>I drove this time, which is a bit unusual. Typically, Ambrose drives us up, and I drive us back down, because I'm generally not quite as exhausted after our trips. But since we'd have a rest day between hiking in and driving home, I wasn't worried about Ambrose driving us home. </p><p>The drive was very nice. There was not a bunch of traffic going up on a Thursday morning, and I didn't encounter any jerk drivers. Well, there was one driver just past Warm Lake that was going very slow, but they were nice and pulled off when they got a chance, allowing me to zip past them. </p><p>I wanted to stop at the top of the summit to use the pit toilet, but some other people had had the same idea. Unfortunately for me, the folks who had that idea had some large vehicles and ENTIRELY blocked the pull out for the toilet. I drove on by, minorly irked, but able to continue. </p><p>Once I turned onto Johnson Creek Road, I was on the lookout for a good lunch spot, but I couldn't find one until we got all the way to the Trout Creek campground. I pulled into there and found us a picnic table in the shade. We ate our boneless Yangnyum Chicken from Han's Chimaek (we had to order Wednesday night - worth it!), and got attacked by bugs. </p><p>The drive was uneventful after that, which is the way I like those drives. I get nervous about being on those narrow, dirt roads. You never know when an approaching vehicle will pop out from behind a tree! </p><p>Once we were safely at Big Creek, I claimed us a campsite and then we went over to the lodge to say hello. Plus, they have muffins and coffee, so there's also that. </p><p>The afternoon was relaxing, but we were really waiting for the dinner. We'd made reservations back in May as soon as they opened practically. At the campsite, we put down the footprint from our big car camping tent, and then the car sleeping pads along with stinky the blanket and one of our gray blankets. We were going to cowboy camp without sleeping bags so that we wouldn't have as much to put away the next morning before hiking.</p><p>The dinner was delightful, and we turned in fairly early. I was not sure I'd be able to sleep without a sleeping bag. In fact, I'd brought the one I use at home just in case, but I ended up using it as a feather pillow instead. The lows were only in the 50s, so we stayed nice and warm. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxmOCtua5UA-dAK_Lr_czks9f7aEdQ-LhpcBz1Ch9iIY05RV6R7_NC9WXX2rB1tyQd-o9vNXSCCRKCQe_au4H02QH0eayPTHR0GJvE6wdA00aDk9urqe7u02MfmZrtZaLjqWfMYVFfvBhDQpCAyBwayujSOquit6wH8wqW3gaVeh4hZ_dog4y7iZ6/s4624/20220715_063547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxmOCtua5UA-dAK_Lr_czks9f7aEdQ-LhpcBz1Ch9iIY05RV6R7_NC9WXX2rB1tyQd-o9vNXSCCRKCQe_au4H02QH0eayPTHR0GJvE6wdA00aDk9urqe7u02MfmZrtZaLjqWfMYVFfvBhDQpCAyBwayujSOquit6wH8wqW3gaVeh4hZ_dog4y7iZ6/w400-h300/20220715_063547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moon over Big Creek Lodge.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next morning, I saw that the footprint had some moisture on the bottom. I asked Ambrose if he thought we should put it up damp or leave it to dry on the site's picnic table, and he thought we should leave it to dry. He even anchored it against the wind with some small logs. </p><p>Then we went and had breakfast, and, just as we were getting ready to leave, the weather starts to shift. </p><p>Something in the air. </p><p>Pressure dropping. </p><p>And then the sky broke open. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxt2OOS2FGm-clseIFd0YjA2xnC8SoLfVVMygPrDvSvz218shbhoU3TFqRQC0MxTA6kCkY5e8SAaa-ncPLvTA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>I blame the rain for what happened next. Ambrose and I hung out in the lodge, waiting for the squall to pass. And once it did, we were soooo focused on getting ourselves to the trailhead that we completely forgot to get the formerly damp, now soaking wet, footprint from the campsite. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3byOPzIaz0htH0-s2ptuh1fEWC0Jj9qg24XiTkcq0d1szHPUaTzl6yGTGpr_LHH05ewAhql4fHYz8FQgq1LhlkXKS3hRq4NUMHM9LauMHGA7J34UF_r2Ev9WP5v5BKZHv935hdnpo-6xyi5Ep0ovi-FonR1nqXJvvhxA1Orb2c_kkuweaqN9uEIaZ/s4624/20220715_085914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3byOPzIaz0htH0-s2ptuh1fEWC0Jj9qg24XiTkcq0d1szHPUaTzl6yGTGpr_LHH05ewAhql4fHYz8FQgq1LhlkXKS3hRq4NUMHM9LauMHGA7J34UF_r2Ev9WP5v5BKZHv935hdnpo-6xyi5Ep0ovi-FonR1nqXJvvhxA1Orb2c_kkuweaqN9uEIaZ/w400-h300/20220715_085914.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That little cloud down there made me nervous for another squall!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Instead of getting the footprint, we drove off. Ambrose handled the delicate negotiation of our car down to the Big Creek trailhead parking lot where we'd normally park. Good thing we were driving by this time, because both sides of the parking lot were pretty full of cars and trailers and tents and people. Next, he got us back down Smith Creek Road to the cutoff trail. And, thankfully, we didn't run into any freshly downed trees to stop us. <div><br /></div><div>We were ready to start Day 1 (or Day 0 if you count like Ambrose). <br /><br /><p><br /></p></div>JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370642256377607928.post-10324860226928367472022-07-27T08:00:00.047-06:002022-07-27T08:00:00.231-06:00Niece Camping 2022 - Part 4<p>Now, before we went to sleep the night before, I had talked to her about the next morning. While we certainly could have a late morning, I reminded her that the sooner we got moving in the morning, the sooner we’d be back into cell service range. She agreed to try and leave camp by 9 in the morning. </p><p>That worked for me. I was up around 7, even without an alarm to wake me, and I started by making up some hot tea for us, and then breakfast. Turns out, she doesn’t like the protein bars that I had for breakfast, nor the Spam, so we had to improvise a bit with her breakfast, with her trying a couple different bars and rejecting them. I guess next time I should provide the menu and have her cross off stuff she won’t eat. </p><p>But we did manage to get going and headed out of camp by 9:16 am. I was happy with that departure. We would be hiking in much cooler weather than the day before, and get a lot more shade. Unfortunately for her, the river had not miraculously gone down overnight, so it was back to the high road for us. By taking it nice and slow, we were able to make it up to the high point without too much difficulty and it was mostly downhill from there. I was proud of her for making it up the hard climb, especially considering that she normally lives at 500 feet above sea level, and here she’s hiking at around 5800 feet. And we encountered a snake in torpor draped across the trail, which we delicately stepped over. The snake flicked its tongue at us but didn’t move. She liked it!</p><p>After we got down from the high road, we passed a group heading to the hot springs. One man had a child carrier pack, complete with sleeping toddler, so she got to see how some people take their littles out on hikes. Some of the people we passed were dressed differently than we were, with tank tops and shorts, but I’m a big believer in wearing synthetics, long sleeved and long panted, for protection out there. It can get hot, but I like the protection afforded, both from the sun and from random branches and brambles trying to scratch me up. I think my niece would have liked to wear something a bit more fashionable, but I’m all about function when it comes to backpacking clothes. </p><p>After the hill, the going was pretty easy. Some ups and downs, but nothing that we couldn’t handle with ease. I was happy that she had made it through the night, and I believe she was happy to get closer to cell service so she could get back in touch with her friends. When we got to close to the campsite, she asked if we could go over to where we had left our art rocks the day before and see if they were still there. Since no one else had claimed the campsite, we hiked on through it to find that our little art gallery remained undisturbed overnight. </p><p>Then it was time to pack up the car and drive off. Now, when Ambrose first brought me out to Skillern for my first backpacking trip, he didn’t tell me about the roadside hot spring on the way home. It was a complete and total surprise to me. For my niece, I felt like a little advance warning was in order, so she’d know why I wasn’t going to change into cleaner clothes right when we got to the car – and why she shouldn’t either. So she knew we were coming up on a hot spring bath, but I think she was still surprised to actually see it. It’s a neat little hot spring. You pull over on the side of the road, then walk about 15 feet on a path and poof! There’s a hot spring, just big enough for 2 if you’re okay with being cozy. She wasn’t sure she wanted to get in at first, so I went first and got myself all rinsed off. The day was warm by then, so I wasn’t inclined to stay long in the hot water. After I got out, she took a quick turn and we both got cleaner clothes on for the remainder of the drive home. </p><p>We stopped in Fairfield to get milkshakes and onion rings. And by that time, we had cell service again, though not very many bars. Not enough bars to stream music, but enough bars to get her back in touch with her friends, which was good. We listened to another musical she had downloaded, 36 Questions, which I am now in love with. Then we listened to one of my albums, Ben Folds' Way to Normal. And, once we got closer to Mountain Home, she got enough signal to stream and we started listening to the Heathers musical. I’d heard they were making Heathers into a musical, but I hadn’t been really interested in listening to it. I’m really glad she shared it with me, because it was quite fun, mostly following the plot of the movie, which is one I enjoy. </p><p>Back in Boise, I got us checked in to our new hotel, much closer to downtown and much nicer. We spent some time at the hotel pool, even though it was just a kiddie pool and a hot tub. Then it was time to figure out some dinner, and I wanted to show her Freak Alley. When we got in the elevator to go to Freak Alley and find food, I noticed a Boise events flyer hanging up. It advertised the musical Dear Evan Hansen, which was another one she likes a lot. In fact, she loves that musical, but hadn’t had a chance to see the show because she didn’t get into it until after the Chicago run had ended. And now, here was her chance! I told her to look up tickets and we’ll see, but I was honestly feeling a bit cranky. Or perhaps hangry. So we walked to Freak Alley, which she thought was very cool, and then picked a place to eat. </p><p>She had found $6 tickets for decent seats in the mezzanine, and, after some trials and tribulations figuring out how this particular ticket vendor worked, we got them. The total for both of us was less than $20, and all we had to do was get over to the Morrison Center before the 6:30 showtime – the final show of the run! Needless to say, we were a bit impatient at the restaurant, but we got some food in us and were able to make it to the show. I had read reviews of the Dear Evan Hansen movie and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. But my niece was correct in saying the show was a cry-fest and wonderful. </p><p>And while that was definitely a high note of the trip, we also had a low note. The airline had moved her flight. I specifically got her an afternoon flight when I bought the tickets months ago. I knew I didn’t want to have to get a teenager up early to catch a flight, so 3:40 seemed ideal. Yeah, no. They changed her departure to 10:30 AM. I was not happy, and I apologized, but the fact of the matter was we needed to get up around 7 in the morning. Bah! </p><p>While it was difficult for her, she was a trooper and we got to the airport in plenty of time to figure out how to get me a pass to escort her to the gate AND to visit the arcade past security. When we were waiting for her flight to board, she spotted a cat in a carrier. The woman escorting the cat thought we were looking at her because we wanted to sit. We did want to sit, but we were more interested in the kitty. The kitty’s name was Garbanzo, and he was a sphynx cat being flown out to his new home. She let us pet him, too. I thought hairless cats would feel weird, but, as she said, he felt like a warm peach. If I’m ever in the market for a hairless cat, I’ll definitely be reaching out to this lady. </p><p>Then, before too long, it was time for her to board. I saw her through the gate and then hustled upstairs so I could get a picture of her boarding. At the Boise airport, some gates have outdoor ramps for boarding and this was one of them. So I got one last picture of her and then waited until the plane was in the air before taking myself home to my husband. Next year, it’s her sister’s turn. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjffeJBXc-t6z1N-GvDPaAA8f1aA1pNrkhj1qB0olDFGS4n0RmxSO8XB7SQpuM4QUo5Rl0DoFHqmYafpFrtbTlH6_iIn2mFkYRJ4NejrIatHPdJ-8FX-TeF9GiM7YOr0nM-0O4Ik55cEAqA5wsrzowqgz6cQuYM9pteVTBHD7iTFgStYrfPma03IV/s5184/R0013033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjffeJBXc-t6z1N-GvDPaAA8f1aA1pNrkhj1qB0olDFGS4n0RmxSO8XB7SQpuM4QUo5Rl0DoFHqmYafpFrtbTlH6_iIn2mFkYRJ4NejrIatHPdJ-8FX-TeF9GiM7YOr0nM-0O4Ik55cEAqA5wsrzowqgz6cQuYM9pteVTBHD7iTFgStYrfPma03IV/w300-h400/R0013033.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A birdie pooped on our tent!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Hz2-ijw79SkBcMQH2UgiPLdQSvwqn2kCUEPVxFbaX1WMIHukb8c4ZsWnCr8Ru8JQOkTwiRG4SJXtjSaVzL3xieQetsc2BHvWj78IdY0mVj6o4TpseHDaqGHI3TbU6XrqnK36B89h0-AbINdPnSkuKpJvyVISkXGbk8YfVHAsTtu1xNd6FNupDTZB/s5184/R0013035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Hz2-ijw79SkBcMQH2UgiPLdQSvwqn2kCUEPVxFbaX1WMIHukb8c4ZsWnCr8Ru8JQOkTwiRG4SJXtjSaVzL3xieQetsc2BHvWj78IdY0mVj6o4TpseHDaqGHI3TbU6XrqnK36B89h0-AbINdPnSkuKpJvyVISkXGbk8YfVHAsTtu1xNd6FNupDTZB/w400-h300/R0013035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushroom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctY7hMo5x_razLXMHQIydfAz544TEmzB_UW8nuBfavJh8LyyRF5-9Mv97sQLIvpMnII1dNwZ8ZESHlulXL43Oc031S8nT6Y4wOSXtNWNDWa1_wSLlTJuwSx11lUuQb1EpZ9jRHUf-Hi4m6o6pLyf0reSURcVeGJweDhF_s3556jEtqBavsjoOdEHh/s5184/R0013037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctY7hMo5x_razLXMHQIydfAz544TEmzB_UW8nuBfavJh8LyyRF5-9Mv97sQLIvpMnII1dNwZ8ZESHlulXL43Oc031S8nT6Y4wOSXtNWNDWa1_wSLlTJuwSx11lUuQb1EpZ9jRHUf-Hi4m6o6pLyf0reSURcVeGJweDhF_s3556jEtqBavsjoOdEHh/w400-h300/R0013037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamy hot springs in the morning cool.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAArdOdx1-mT2Tj6Iggo_gaNLFhoWHU5cRFEc-qGDAEs_BOMwh3XbjMNqXx72mGOl3BM4OvSrdBXpvK1KWM4VjHJvMHHD9AQ2Gqj7zxuapA_B9bVq4o1j-siS009x1HkSzieio3HMZ6iUX3HpUxDlDz3nTsPJ_Bymif_MOd0bnp3N1ko6F1OcK3gY/s5184/R0013041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAArdOdx1-mT2Tj6Iggo_gaNLFhoWHU5cRFEc-qGDAEs_BOMwh3XbjMNqXx72mGOl3BM4OvSrdBXpvK1KWM4VjHJvMHHD9AQ2Gqj7zxuapA_B9bVq4o1j-siS009x1HkSzieio3HMZ6iUX3HpUxDlDz3nTsPJ_Bymif_MOd0bnp3N1ko6F1OcK3gY/w400-h300/R0013041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making our way back.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdDtt5DHBj94ffDwOZYA9S3ZBXy-hOkwbzxv3ew0iYdYqAVtfYN4fw8CJyDZ75kO619qNsKla66RNJCuyK1QqAxxEGHyQXaUAwee3cKH0jMyDAgE7AVCIEZN5imBwdjpQLqEM9ltqhRMxcjLgV9DMS85BsoSGnfQ4qJVEri1VrsDY-m6ihWNET7xJ/s5184/R0013044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdDtt5DHBj94ffDwOZYA9S3ZBXy-hOkwbzxv3ew0iYdYqAVtfYN4fw8CJyDZ75kO619qNsKla66RNJCuyK1QqAxxEGHyQXaUAwee3cKH0jMyDAgE7AVCIEZN5imBwdjpQLqEM9ltqhRMxcjLgV9DMS85BsoSGnfQ4qJVEri1VrsDY-m6ihWNET7xJ/w400-h300/R0013044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta climb that high road again!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQHhRUdYATvq73bV3BG3Lk9V4CDSoY2Auylk3sQmGZibGsnLUlpHsOtsMevutvCQ2R6YZ_DIxuwL4-fykJcj8A2dP__5TModUEQPRgiIC35lzyIFPgx0cH7fc1NzjS6fB-iahRYIBT3X45hoOHeff0gJqHOQacE3MpTRVoPeT6SnOz0d61lE2PM6y/s5184/R0013048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQHhRUdYATvq73bV3BG3Lk9V4CDSoY2Auylk3sQmGZibGsnLUlpHsOtsMevutvCQ2R6YZ_DIxuwL4-fykJcj8A2dP__5TModUEQPRgiIC35lzyIFPgx0cH7fc1NzjS6fB-iahRYIBT3X45hoOHeff0gJqHOQacE3MpTRVoPeT6SnOz0d61lE2PM6y/w400-h300/R0013048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow and steady does the trick, with plenty of rest breaks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHLEBHAh_EYFrcHuImDOvy_no9SvOrn7_sarsrr7M6a4kra4Wdqp-ycToipbhaMgvhcgqO0QZTj9zh56YDUYHAPTQy2m9v9HIqXiUmBlK1pBEGB1qRwMdHXk_Z_5fvJtqC8eX6hD95fYfoLN-MniS0yDimDTcNZy2Soz9Ig9Qq5lU2w574nBAYVO7/s5184/R0013049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHLEBHAh_EYFrcHuImDOvy_no9SvOrn7_sarsrr7M6a4kra4Wdqp-ycToipbhaMgvhcgqO0QZTj9zh56YDUYHAPTQy2m9v9HIqXiUmBlK1pBEGB1qRwMdHXk_Z_5fvJtqC8eX6hD95fYfoLN-MniS0yDimDTcNZy2Soz9Ig9Qq5lU2w574nBAYVO7/w400-h300/R0013049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello snek!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQGEkHmzrmc40Fmn-HMZbZfnTlXUyRkPGwnPFcVeWLkr358aewaqBjMIB0F9enN2mN_z2dOeFlIZi28pdYr44LEUI3NK9grkspxPAR1M7vvidRc7Q5illE0-419s4GQtsniL91mgK182Ij03EEZdzSFe1b0_AuVlediHz4CeVd9V-12FO1sdvsJmF/s5184/R0013052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQGEkHmzrmc40Fmn-HMZbZfnTlXUyRkPGwnPFcVeWLkr358aewaqBjMIB0F9enN2mN_z2dOeFlIZi28pdYr44LEUI3NK9grkspxPAR1M7vvidRc7Q5illE0-419s4GQtsniL91mgK182Ij03EEZdzSFe1b0_AuVlediHz4CeVd9V-12FO1sdvsJmF/w400-h300/R0013052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views like this are a good reason to take the high road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlmdumOujQngIgU8IJVTOs5xrno8vgGRma6jRvSWPFjG4A1ztQFvn-2mUcNHY-wWpjgmFA2tuuKr8VjtFjFqjMObZ-9VKYLcVRygMxOagOZ5ICm-FrHDc9fX6ejKRIg-zkAhy_voSMB12vLLiCxNEolOPTVfHVaKMiY9M-6cH97Kb6JOGSLgDMFjd/s5184/R0013058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlmdumOujQngIgU8IJVTOs5xrno8vgGRma6jRvSWPFjG4A1ztQFvn-2mUcNHY-wWpjgmFA2tuuKr8VjtFjFqjMObZ-9VKYLcVRygMxOagOZ5ICm-FrHDc9fX6ejKRIg-zkAhy_voSMB12vLLiCxNEolOPTVfHVaKMiY9M-6cH97Kb6JOGSLgDMFjd/w400-h300/R0013058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus we saw this chipmunk hanging out on a rock.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaFDk1yqZGjhT9fp5Zb000nJmCyJjQhx6bQ5fgpaOXTiMVgS62Yx6C1tRa94rx_4dRYJOX1dj4P-M9cwjpnw14Pd9kmFdMGKHyxxMqAOQy73zBorD8DAdHr5nqb89x0DBpzz995yKnE1Fc4lueex-c_K70-vdaSlkl76-2POk-b8E7kyA3kFH7Q8X/s5184/R0013062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaFDk1yqZGjhT9fp5Zb000nJmCyJjQhx6bQ5fgpaOXTiMVgS62Yx6C1tRa94rx_4dRYJOX1dj4P-M9cwjpnw14Pd9kmFdMGKHyxxMqAOQy73zBorD8DAdHr5nqb89x0DBpzz995yKnE1Fc4lueex-c_K70-vdaSlkl76-2POk-b8E7kyA3kFH7Q8X/w400-h300/R0013062.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing Poison Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj_t5EJ6HJ0HzD4MgiJBXfaFdRHimsJ-IpIZoKwvPj1Sw0mMX8ThvrgXn5hPXWAuC7E8acQ5hudSazaSO7AsEzt7zi6kwxKui8JtfDsTu6mwC-UFbIWLiInO8BXYJmGieDgHCfUB9FRA_ogyPHNBsLReiYB9qEJzaer_TPZVoPH_O_IUYCB5Q1HR2/s5184/R0013067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj_t5EJ6HJ0HzD4MgiJBXfaFdRHimsJ-IpIZoKwvPj1Sw0mMX8ThvrgXn5hPXWAuC7E8acQ5hudSazaSO7AsEzt7zi6kwxKui8JtfDsTu6mwC-UFbIWLiInO8BXYJmGieDgHCfUB9FRA_ogyPHNBsLReiYB9qEJzaer_TPZVoPH_O_IUYCB5Q1HR2/w400-h300/R0013067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on to the flats, what a relief!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclAS9OYsaE26zuZV4lw3kDGhV_FLftpLVd5QtOItSDpK5ctX-tXGLZ1tId1oEmym2CyGuh1GpyJZXXcn0bK5OmTIKkBuOKNRNvAqLwFund5LTGEOJ6SMM_YB5EMU7DdbNufamPj2xJZA1YiI5ewAGKxiBn8Fi3G9L9ZJvcNdp6_Q-ZGsnukAS0G81/s5184/R0013070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclAS9OYsaE26zuZV4lw3kDGhV_FLftpLVd5QtOItSDpK5ctX-tXGLZ1tId1oEmym2CyGuh1GpyJZXXcn0bK5OmTIKkBuOKNRNvAqLwFund5LTGEOJ6SMM_YB5EMU7DdbNufamPj2xJZA1YiI5ewAGKxiBn8Fi3G9L9ZJvcNdp6_Q-ZGsnukAS0G81/w400-h300/R0013070.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting close to the trailhead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVow5Qjp3D-UtdYiEoQbkWEsgvQNrUZBwFvvIrJmgyqdpyFHB72LWd1BICQKKpDtHX7Eb1ni9kODgWUW53PJgJQ8pnuRtMGAwUf3N3UufY1ntmQQADzjGOYuWdeshONDcriALD0RhlmEhK8nRv9Ar-v-VXXMVxinKQw9b7xzA-djl9wczSUUVpa7tc/s5184/R0013073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVow5Qjp3D-UtdYiEoQbkWEsgvQNrUZBwFvvIrJmgyqdpyFHB72LWd1BICQKKpDtHX7Eb1ni9kODgWUW53PJgJQ8pnuRtMGAwUf3N3UufY1ntmQQADzjGOYuWdeshONDcriALD0RhlmEhK8nRv9Ar-v-VXXMVxinKQw9b7xzA-djl9wczSUUVpa7tc/w400-h300/R0013073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can see the pit toilet!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqkc50GlnSI-FYlAXI-56hkrOA_GnAZIBNurt6mxHKBv3YLS14x9sOY884Tkwqc07Rs6lCWMmIez-0vSxteLypTcjnCVNRHdpq6EL_F51nr_B5SbGYSGrj9SLEAhtFrJU5XFPni6FZoVUTZDUXltClChc6KkuIPK8OJDKLD5ONWNk1Sa0mGNP1Sdh/s5184/R0013074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqkc50GlnSI-FYlAXI-56hkrOA_GnAZIBNurt6mxHKBv3YLS14x9sOY884Tkwqc07Rs6lCWMmIez-0vSxteLypTcjnCVNRHdpq6EL_F51nr_B5SbGYSGrj9SLEAhtFrJU5XFPni6FZoVUTZDUXltClChc6KkuIPK8OJDKLD5ONWNk1Sa0mGNP1Sdh/w400-h300/R0013074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our art gallery survived the night.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OlyiD2MEoK3OrkIVzR4jpp0Bn0TGG4fIdYEbalaonrGctd6VPi12lUhGahIRifQC33pMjgcA9xHv0eILGDYXIW2_cUkAO4eafh5sm1YbJJlUbRCY7JVhgOOaCDaqWBn3zSew42Xci8NqYmdfdkOTz8BRsUef_hEePP2wvL-JpUYoPOp6eNUGKIMA/s4624/20220626_183019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OlyiD2MEoK3OrkIVzR4jpp0Bn0TGG4fIdYEbalaonrGctd6VPi12lUhGahIRifQC33pMjgcA9xHv0eILGDYXIW2_cUkAO4eafh5sm1YbJJlUbRCY7JVhgOOaCDaqWBn3zSew42Xci8NqYmdfdkOTz8BRsUef_hEePP2wvL-JpUYoPOp6eNUGKIMA/w300-h400/20220626_183019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Dear Evan Hansen to start.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OlyiD2MEoK3OrkIVzR4jpp0Bn0TGG4fIdYEbalaonrGctd6VPi12lUhGahIRifQC33pMjgcA9xHv0eILGDYXIW2_cUkAO4eafh5sm1YbJJlUbRCY7JVhgOOaCDaqWBn3zSew42Xci8NqYmdfdkOTz8BRsUef_hEePP2wvL-JpUYoPOp6eNUGKIMA/s4624/20220626_183019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOVSTyg0duoTdASuo3Fn46hX_LPORErOiq1vQEhfLRZyoZ7_fGOIKLvfMjiS2LSikFL9D08KgRKNrGsub35rhBvulxyKvDuGvnAVNPVeYPPy9_96Uk65G853ixGspGq4iKvHSh7kTCeOLeEOmJrfPTrtedz4QJn_8vn2AWIhMBjDVloZrcJ9cMM_4/s4624/20220627_104903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOVSTyg0duoTdASuo3Fn46hX_LPORErOiq1vQEhfLRZyoZ7_fGOIKLvfMjiS2LSikFL9D08KgRKNrGsub35rhBvulxyKvDuGvnAVNPVeYPPy9_96Uk65G853ixGspGq4iKvHSh7kTCeOLeEOmJrfPTrtedz4QJn_8vn2AWIhMBjDVloZrcJ9cMM_4/w400-h300/20220627_104903.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There goes her plane, headed off to Chicago.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />JBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03527683326665330689noreply@blogger.com0